Teacher Aide

This position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the teacher/lead teacher in developing activities for the children, to provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance is  given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position works with families to promote parent involvement in the program. This position may be  assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing expertise. This position works along with the teacher/head teacher to attain the goals  of the program. The position may be reassigned to various    classrooms/centers as  deemed necessary for program operations.   

JOB DUTIES

• Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including lesson plans.
• Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
• Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
• Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
• Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
• Is familiar with each child and parent.
• Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
• Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
• Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
• Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents them as requested.

GENERAL JOB ACTIVITIES

• Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Responsible for understanding Performance Standards and local child care licensing regulations.
• Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.  
• Positively promotes in the community.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Becomes thoroughly familiar with Meriden-NBB YMCA Employee Handbook, Meriden-NBB YMCA
• Operations Manual and all other Meriden-NBB YMCA handbooks, manuals and resources and adheres to them.

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•  Minimum requirement is high school diploma or GED plus some experience working  with children. 
• A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is preferred. 
• A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential;
• Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain
• Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.
• An associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area); or
• of being hired into the position;
• Be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state  regulations). 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with  attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
• Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, social and community events.

 The requirements of your Job Description are important in providing services to children and families, and for keeping you, children and co-workers safe during the  work day.  If you are unable to perform any of the functions required in your job  description due to a disability, you are invited to direct any requests for  accommodation to the Program Director and the Meriden-NBB YMCA.