Overview

The Head Start Teacher Assistant shall assist the Head Start Teacher and Program Director in the day to day responsibilities.

$500 Sign-On Bonus*

Available Positions

Year Round - 12 month position

10 Months - 10 month position (summers off); Additional summer hours available across Y programs if desired. 

YMCA Head Start Benefits

• Paid professional development training
• Paid Child Development Associate credential (CDA) Upon completing CDA certification, pay will increase by $1.00
• FREE Y family membership
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Medical/Vision/Dental
• Y Retirement Fund

*Sign On Bonus is for new associates and is paid in two increments after the first paycheck.

OUR CULTURE: 

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the classroom by providing individualized attention to the children to enhance their learning and development. 
• Contribute as a part of the teaching team to planning and implementing curriculum and assessment.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining an appropriate learning environment and daily routine, with attention to standards of health and safety.
• Develop and maintain supportive, professional relationships with children and their families to enhance parent education, communication, involvement, and advocacy.
• Observe and document children’s learning and development on an ongoing and consistent basis.
• Actively participate in determining levels of children’s learning and development three times per year, using the portfolio scales of the Assessment and Outcomes System.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in ensuring that health, safety, and sanitation guidelines set the state licensing and the YMCA are followed.
• Maintain certification and stay current with all requirements for Infant/Child CPR and First Aid.
• Participate in all required training and attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education/professional development annually.
• Attend and participate in team, site, and other required meetings.
• Maintain documentation of personal training and professional development activities in which you participate.
• Incorporate information from training, as well as guidance from teachers and specialists, into practice to improve performance.
• Notify appropriate staff of complaints, accidents, or injuries.
• Complete required paperwork, such as incident reports, health checklists, CACFP counts, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding child and families.
• Engage in professional communications with families and appropriate staff to ensure support is provided to children and families.

Qualifications

• Preschool CDA (PAID training available at time of hire- must obtain within 12-months)
• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or with 30 credits of ECE, preferred.
• Experience in an early childhood classroom setting preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Work well both independently and collaboratively with others.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to organize and perform multiple tasks in the classroom.