Program Assistant I Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pay starts at $12.50 per hour and up based on experience

No experience? No problem-just bring your love for little learners!

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Teacher Assistant I supports the Teacher Lead by planning activities and caring for the children in the classroom. As a Teacher Assistant I you provide a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. This position is limited to the duration of the Preschool Program school session and subject to change based on local school trends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supports the implementation of curriculum within the established guidelines as outlined by the Teacher Lead, including preparing educational pieces for student work.
2. Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth while building relationships among youth and within families.
3. Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards, supporting behavior management within the program.
4. Supports the ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
5. Cultivates positive relationships, participates in parent conferences as needed, and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA as outlined by the Teacher Lead.
6. Maintains program site and equipment in an effective and responsible way.
7. Maintains required program records including attendance and disciplinary documentation.
8. Attends and participates in family nights, events, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training as required.
9. Supports Teacher Lead to ensure students can take classes remote and ensure class materials are accessible to the learners and meet program goals and objectives.
10. Supports an environment of teamwork with other department staff.
11. Play a role in securing gifts for the annual campaign.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
2. Minimum of 1 year experience in childcare is preferred.
3. Must have 12 continuing education units annually.
4. Required training completed within designated time of start: Keeping your YMCA Safe.
5. Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid and New Employee Orientation.
6. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
7. Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

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 persons 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.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment.