Youth Development Associate Jobs in Springfield, MA

Description

 The part-time Assistant Teacher supports the classroom during assigned instructional and program hours. The position assists with small-group activities, classroom routines, active supervision, transitions, behavior support, classroom organization, and student safety.

The Assistant Teacher helps maintain a consistent, nurturing learning environment and reinforces the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and independence skills children need to succeed in first grade.

Key Job Responsibilities

Classroom and Instructional Support:

• Support the Head Teacher and Full-Time Assistant Teacher in implementing planned lessons and classroom activities. 
• Reinforce early literacy, writing, mathematics, communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills. 
• Lead or assist with assigned small-group activities, learning centers, read-alouds, games, movement activities, and hands-on projects. 
• Help children follow classroom routines, listen to directions, complete tasks, work independently, and interact positively with peers. 
• Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, student supplies, and activity spaces. 
• Provide individual support to children as directed by the Head Teacher. 

Supervision and Safety:

• Actively supervise children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, bathroom breaks, outdoor play, arrival, dismissal, and other assigned program periods. 
• Maintain required child-to-staff ratios and account for children at all times. 
• Use positive, developmentally appropriate behavior-support practices. 
• Respond calmly to challenging behavior and immediately seek assistance when a situation requires additional support. 
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and healthy classroom environment. 
• Follow all BGCH and applicable OEC, DCF, School Readiness, NAEYC, licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Immediately report injuries, illnesses, incidents, behavioral concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, or other safety concerns to the Head Teacher or Director. 

Communication and Teamwork:

• Communicate regularly with the classroom team regarding student needs, classroom activities, safety concerns, and assigned responsibilities. 
• Share relevant student observations with the Head Teacher. 
• Greet children and families warmly and professionally. 
• Provide routine information to parents and caregivers while referring significant questions or concerns to the Head Teacher. 
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. 

Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain reliable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work during assigned hours. 
• Follow classroom schedules, assignments, and supervisory direction. 
• Participate in required meetings, training, and professional-development activities. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Expected Hours of Work: Monday through Friday, primarily 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Physical requirements

• Work is performed in classroom, gym, meal-service, outdoor, and community settings.
• Must be able to actively supervise children throughout the workday.
• Must be able to respond promptly to safety needs, participate in classroom and outdoor activities, and lift or assist with up to 30 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusion and diversity. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

•  High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Early childhood education coursework, Child Development Associate credential, associate degree, or progress toward required early childhood credentials preferred. 
• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, school, camp, or youth-development environment preferred. 
• Ability to follow lesson plans, classroom procedures, and supervisory direction. 
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills. 
• Demonstrated patience, dependability, sound judgment, and a positive attitude. 
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background checks, health clearances, certifications, and registration through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Professional Registry. 
• Ability to provide required educational, health, reference, and licensing documentation.