Assistant Teacher- Y Preschool

Primary Summary:

The YMCA focus is to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Under the general direction of Family Life Director, the incumbent is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher with the overall program, supervision of children and day-to-day operation of the Y Preschool Program. Delivers a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Essential Functions:

1. Ensure the individual needs of the children are met for proper coordination of the program within the branch.

2. Utilize solid judgment and discretionary skills as well as make independent decisions that will affect the program.

3. Maintain positive relationships with many diverse people, including staff, parents, volunteers and program site administration and demonstrate strong public relation skills.

4. Ensure YMCA policies and guidelines are followed at all times.

5. Maintain an environment that ensures children's safety and well-being.

6. Assist with delivering developmentally appropriate activities that advance all areas of children's development and learning, including social, emotional, intellectual and physical competence.

7. Conduct the program in accordance with YMCA goals and principles of developmentally appropriate practices

8. Complete tasks assigned by classroom lead teacher.

9. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.

10. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.

11. Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.

12. Attends all staff meetings and required training programs.

13. Other duties and responsibilities assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Cause-Driven Leadership® Competencies

• Relationships: Interacts with youth in a positive, warm, and nurturing manner.

• Communication: Promotes and supports the potential of all youth.

• Developing Others: Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions.

• Inclusion: Creates a safe environment that helps all youth feel welcome and respected.

• Quality Results: Selects and uses appropriate equipment, material, and resources to achieve program goals.

• Project Management: Encourages feedback from youth and parents and caregivers; provides choices within programs.

• Functional Expertise: Recognizes that all youth have individual needs, temperaments, characteristics, and abilities and develop at their own rate.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Minimum age of 19 years old.

2. 1 year early childhood experience or relative experience preferred.

3. Previous experience working with children preferred.

4. Successful completion of background and Child Abuse and Neglect screening.

5. Acquire and maintain the following certifications prior to start date via YMCA, American Red Cross, American Heart Association and American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI):

   1. First Aid/ CPR /AED (valid 2 years unless otherwise noted)

6. Requisite Online Training Modules (completed prior to start date and repeated annually).

Physical Demands:

1. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

2. Ability to be physically active to include, but not limited to walking, sitting, squatting, standing, kneeling, climbing, running, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.

3. Must have the physical, visual and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job.