Community Program Assistant Jobs in Belleville, IL

POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA Early Learning Readiness (ELR) Program Facilitator will work directly with informal family, friend and neighbor caregivers and the children under their direct care. Under the direction of the ELR Program director, the Facilitator will lead the ELR program activities that engage children and their caregivers. The Facilitator will work the ELR Program director to develop partnerships in the community , outreach to caregivers, and recruit and orient volunteers to support the program. Additionally, they will work with the director to administer the evaluation/assessment process and tools to measure and report on the impact of the program, and to use the results for continuous program improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive early childhood curriculm based on current research in child development and aligning with state Early Learning Standards
• Designs an environment with activities that facilitate the cognitive, physical, social, emotional , language/linguistic development of children ages birth through 5
• Actively recruits program participants and community partners
• Sets up 13 interest areas, including an outside area and sets up/breaks down environment on an as needed basis
• Maintains the learning environment by arranging materials in appropriate, safe, and attractive ways
• Ensures the program implementation is consistent with local Y strategic plan with an emphasis on health and wellness
• Submits monthly lesson plan to the site director for review in accordance with lesson plan procedures
• Assists in recruiting, orienting, recognizing and retaining volunteers
• Provides direct supervision of volunteers daily
• Leads volunteers in preparation of materials for planned activities, set up and pack up of the environment as needed, and arranges materials in a safe and attractive manner montitoring environmental health and safety hazards
• Interacts with all program participants creating a welcoming environment and modeling positive behavior which promotes growth in all developmental areas
• Facilitates and models appropriate caregiver/child interactions at program sites
• Maintains enrollment forms, attendance, and health records up to date
• Submits all required documents to Program Director in a timely manner
• Order/purchase supplies and materials as needed
• Assists with tracking and reporting on all required funding metrics
• Gathers information about children's and caregiver's development using observation and reporting tools
• Works closely with supervisor to guide curriculum planning based on assesments for children and adults and to be aware of participants' growth and development
• Makes referrals for any needed early intervention services
• Collaborates with community agencies by providing presentations at program sites and is informed about services and programs in the community
• Works with the Program Director to collaborate with health, social services, and other professionals as necessary to provide appropriate referrals/services to families
• Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to particpants culture
• Maintains confidentiality of program participants and staff/volunteers
• Demonstrates appropriate leadership, professionalism and initiative
• Informs supervisor of plans, activities, and participant progress and program status
• Participates in available professional development workshops and training meetings designed to improve teaching skills and/or the program
• Assists with ASQ developmental screenings
• Performs other duties as assigned by Program Director

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys 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.