Y Readers Teacher

The Y Readers program Teacher Assistant is primarily responsible for assisting the Y Readers program Teacher Lead in the implementation and facilitation of the Four Blocks curriculum.  The Y Readers Teacher Assistant reports to the Director and assists in the supervision, literacy and social development of children ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy learning environment.  

In addition, every position in the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Inc is responsible for upholding the Judeo-Christian principles that are central to our mission by modeling behaviors that exemplify the four pillars of character - caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Y Readers Teacher Assistant must have the competencies, skills and proven leadership ability to successfully carry out the YMCA mission, goals and vision.  Other duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. Attend trainings and staff meetings.
2. Support teachers in instruction according to the Four Blocks model.
3. Meet daily with the teacher to review activities and ensure continuity of classroom support strategies.
4. Gather the appropriate books/resources for the literacy curriculum.
5. Support the classroom according to the fidelity and quality requirements.
6. Set up and clean up after all classroom activities.
7. Ensure 1:10 ratio is maintained throughout the literacy portion of the day.
8. Proactively manage classroom behavior.
9. Support the teacher in meeting the individual needs of students (e.g., inclusion/accommodations, English language learner strategies).
10. Provide additional academic support, as needed.
11. Build relationships with parents/caregivers. 
12. Assist the teacher in providing a welcoming, clean and safe environment.
13. Take care of school property (e.g., space, equipment, supplies) daily.
14. Collaborate with enrichment leaders to ensure literacy instruction is aligned with enrichment activities.
15. Assist with pick up and dismissal to ensure student safety.
16. Assist Teacher and Director in other duties as assigned.
17. Maintain a positive and cheerful attitude with staff, peers and program participants.
18. Assist in the Annual Campaign for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
19. Performs all other duties as assigned.

This organization has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of consumers in its programs. Any mistreatment or abuse by an employee or volunteer will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer service and cooperation with law enforcement. This organization takes every allegation of abuse or misconduct seriously and will fully cooperate with the authorities to investigate all cases of alleged abuse or misconduct. Employees and volunteers shall cooperate with any external investigation by outside authorities or internal investigation conducted by the organization or persons given investigative authority by the organization. An employee or volunteer’s failure to cooperate with an investigation will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or dismissal from the organization.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

1. Associate’s degree required.   
2. A minimum of two years’ classroom experience in an early childhood or elementary education.
3. A college student seeking to fulfill Dept of Education Internship hrs or EDTPA portfolio requirements is preferred.
4. Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
5. Experience in delivering instruction, creating or facilitating interactive and educational/artistic activities, youth development, physical activities, academic enrichment, and the arts.
6. Must possess speaking, listening and writing, skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
7. Must have flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
8. Demonstrate a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.