Early Learning Apprenticeship, Classroom Aide I Childcare

GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Early Learning Senior Program Director, center director and classroom teacher, the Work to Learn classroom aide provides support and assistance in one or more of the YMCA licensed children care centers for 30 hours or more per week while participating in the Early Learning Apprenticeship program. Classroom Aide responsibilities include but are not limited to encouraging and participating in daily activities with children in the classroom, supervision during recess, rest time and meals, preparing and organizing materials for daily activities. With support and direction from the classroom team aides, will participate in routine cleaning task and facilitating general care routines for children such as feeding infants, changing diapers, and assisting with toileting routines.

This position is designed to provide comprehensive experience for individuals seeking a career in early learning and/or youth development including both classroom experience and education, to acquire either a CDA or Child Care Certificate.  

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience Requirements:

1. Minimum age of 18 years
2. Minimum of a High School Diploma

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The successful employee will demonstrate individual competency in the following areas:

1. Ability to follow safety requirements pertaining to young children.
2. Ability to work with and follow directions
3. Effectively respond to questions from coworkers, parents, Program Director and Professional Development Director in a timely manner.
4. Ability to work independently without close over site
5. Possess the ability to be flexible.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Must be able to routinely perform the following physical activities as dictated by sport; run, jump, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand, walk, perform moderate physical activity for extended periods of time, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity
2. Must possess mental alertness, problem solving and task management skills, ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment
3. Must demonstrate a high level of maturity, patience, dependability, sound judgment, and the desire to work with all ages
4. Must exhibit initiative
5. Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner
6. Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently and lead by assigned goals, duties, and deadlines
7. Must always present a neat and professional appearance

Job Requirements:

1. Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision, and values
2. Meet all participation requirements for the Work to Learn Project including participation in professional development activities outside of their work hours. These include but are not limited to monthly cohort meetings and one-on-one meetings with the Professional Development Director.
3. Complete all KDHE required health and safety trainings
4. Attend New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire

1. Complete Pediatric CPR/AED, Pediatric First Aid as applicable to current regulations and in accordance with YMCA Conditions of Employment
2. Submit completed Health Assessment & negative TB test within 30 days of hire
3. Understand and abide by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association
4. Ability to supervise participants and maintain safety standards actively and effectively
5. Ability to handle all questions and concerns and resolve conflicts in a courteous and professional manner
6. Complete and maintain good standing in education track based on either CDA or Child Care Certificate track.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Follow posted lesson plans and classroom schedule as directed by classroom teachers
2. Support children’s learning through participation and encouragement
3. Assist with food service prep and clean-up
4. Complete routine care tasks for children such as diaper changing and feeding
5. Support a safe and healthy environment by completing assigned task for cleaning the program spaces, assessing the environment for safety hazards and taking action to prevent incidents

6.     Manage all classroom supplies and equipment in a safe and organized manner

7.     Support and demonstrate discipline practices in accordance with the YMCA’s policies and KDHE regulations

8.     Support and follow individual behavior plan for children as directed by the classroom teacher

Maintain our Culture of Excellence Standards

1.     Effectively communicating the mission, vision, and values of the Wichita YMCA.

2.     Develop and maintain positive, open relationships with families and coworkers

3.     Greet parents and children by name upon arrival and at departure

4.     Help parents get connected to our programs, participants and staff

5.     Communicate all concerns to the classroom Teacher and or supervisor on duty immediately

6.     Follow all program guidelines regarding food service, clean up and food storage

7.     Maintain complete familiarity with all risk management procedures and policies

Strong Community Campaign:

1.     Engage and actively participate in annual campaign, including but not limited to solicitation of donations, promoting events/projects and telling the YMCA story

Other:

1. Attend all required staff meetings and trainings
2. Follow program dress code
3. Maintain proper attendance. Unexcused absence over two in the year is considered excessive
4. Maintain confidentiality on a strict need-to-know basis, with parents, outside agencies and the general public
5. Meet or exceed all KDHE regulations, CACFP guidelines and in-service hours
6. Represent the YMCA well to all who encounter you and your program
7. Follow the Association’s Code of Conduct and Child Abuse Code of Conduct
8. Personify the YMCA’s Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all interactions with children, parents, co-workers, and the community