Summary
This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Preschool Assistant Teacher provides direct supervision and leadership to a group of children ages 3-5 years old. The Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing a program that fosters children’s social, physical, spiritual, and mental growth. The Preschool Assistant Teacher assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.
Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Positively and proactively communicates with and responds to supervisor, staff, program participants, and parents.
• Ensures that program participants, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe.
• Maintains physical presence,remains alertat all times while on duty,maintains constant visual attention toprogram participants,remains aware of surroundings, and actively participates in all program activities.
• Prepares activities so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop talents.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, completes related reports as required.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the rule of three.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on Child Care programs and member engagement that fosters loyalty among those we serve.
• Follows all Child Care procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, supervision of children, child care discipline, policy drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

Requirements
Requirements
Must have current CDA or at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education

• Must be 16 years of age or older (under 18 years requires working papers/proof of age).
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Upon hire must have documentation of a physical examination and a TB Tine Test, to be repeated every two years.
• Must submit Office of Early Childhood Background Check and fingerprinting forms within 30 days of hire.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish helpful.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching activities.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency
• Connecticut Child Care CPR/First aid certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire and maintained.
• Administration of Medications certification is preferred.

Nice To Haves
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.