Teacher's Assistant

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Preschool Director and in accordance with the general policies, goals and standards established by the YMCA, the Preschool Teacher’s Assistant is responsible for assisting the lead teacher in carrying out lessons, providing a nurturing, well-supervised and safe environment for preschool children.

Essential Functions

• Notify the Child Development Director in the event of absence

• Attend organized staff meetings (approximately every six weeks)

• Assist lead teacher in preparing for lessons (set up center accordingly, cut out required patterns, etc.).

• Set up snacks

• Help maintain cleanliness and order in the classroom

• Participate in cleaning the bathroom sinks and toilet seats on rotating schedule

• Interact with the children while on the playground

• The candidate must be willing to participate in annual and campaign fundraiser events.

• Any other duties as deemed necessary by the Child Development Director

The Effectiveness of this position can be evidenced by:

• An orderly classroom in which children are happy and productive

• Parental satisfaction as evidenced in comments to both teacher and director

• Quality childcare for all YMCA Preschool students

• A rewarding experience for the YMCA employee

Job Requirements

• The Teacher's Assistant must demonstrate a commitment to the mission and goals of the YMCA and must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with people and be a team member

• A 45-hour state required course is required to be started within three months of employment and completed within the first year. Ten in-service hours of continuing education courses will be required each year thereafter

• Efficient planning and organizational skills

• The ability to communicate effectively with parents, children, staff and the director

• The ability to assist a lead teacher in carrying out the lesson objectives each day

• The ability to interact with children in a positive manner

• Must be 18 years and older

• Experience working with children and a 45 hour child care course will be required as terms of employment. Preferred Qualifications: Completion of the DCF child care course prior to employment.

YMCA CORE COMPETENCIES (LEADER)

• Mission and Community Oriented: Lives YMCA values; actively values diversity; engages community and members in YMCA mission and work; builds effective working relationships and recruits volunteers.

• People Oriented: Employs effective persuasion strategies; builds rapport and relationship to create small communities; listens for understanding and meaning, speaks and writes effectively; takes initiative to assist in developing others.

• Results Oriented: Executes objectives that align with the YMCA’s mission and goals; quickly identifies opportunities for improvement and solutions when encountering obstacles; employs thinking skills to understand and solve issues; implements best practices and project plans; has a voice in the process; supports fund raising; responsible with YMCA resources.

• Personal Development Oriented: Recognizes own strengths and limitations; pursues self-development that enhances job performance; is flexible.

Disclaimers

• Must complete successful criminal background check and drug screen

• All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place, which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties

• This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management