Job Description Summary:  The Associate Teacher is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher or Site Director in developing and implementing the daily curriculum and insures the safety and nurture of the children in their care. They will provide direction for children and implements program curriculum. They will also provide a quality experience to children and parents that will focus on building achievement and youth relationships among youth and within families.

Required Qualifications:

• 12 College units of coursework in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or current Child Development Associate Teacher, Teacher, or Master Teacher Permit
• Current approved EMSA First Aid, Adult, Infant, and Child CPR certifications (or obtained within 30 days of employment)
• Proof of Immunizations: TB, Influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis, and measles vaccination

Desired Skills:

• Previous childcare experience
• Experience working with children

Essential Functions:

• Insure safety of children enrolled in program
• Assists Lead Teacher in preparing and executing the curriculum and daily schedule for program
• Assist in maintaining a well-organized safe, and attractive classroom in accordance to the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale
• Assist Lead Teacher in reviewing the progress of each child and developing written plans to promote each child’s growth and development
• Maintain ongoing communication as well as positive relationships with children, parents, staff, community members and organizations
• Carry out effective behavior management techniques in accordance with the YMCA behavior management policies and procedures
• Observe children daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth
• Maintain an attitude of dignity and respect toward children, parents, and staff
• Any other duties related to the operation of the classroom as assigned

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an opennessto change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Physical Requirements:

• The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

(Reasonable accommodation will be made available to individuals with disabilities who are able to perform the physical requirements of the job.)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead Teachers and Site Directors supervise Associate level teachers

Driving Responsibilities:

• Occasionally driving to another site to insure teacher to child ratio is maintained