Teacher Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Teacher will work with a small group of children under the coaching and supervision of a professional staff to ensure the care, safety and well being of the children assigned to her/his group. S/he will use the philosophy of the YMCA mission and the four core values (caring, honesty, respect and responsibility) to deliver and implement a program of the highest quality where every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure all health and safety guidelines are strictly adhered to.

• Assist in supervising the group of children to which she/he is assigned (during classroom experience, during outdoor playground activities and while off the Center grounds).

• Become involved with the children in group play and outside activities.

• Assist with the nap period duties including, but not limited to; setting out and replacing cots/mats/cribs; settling the children, i.e., rubbing backs, reading stories.

• Have an ability to identify child abuse and have a clear understanding of reporting requirements and responsibilities.

• Be responsible for going into the pool to assist swim instructors and maintain staff: child ratio during swim lessons/activities.

• Utilize any specific abilities or talents that can enrich the children’s day care experience.

• Assist with food service (snack, lunch, special treats) and clean up the eating area.

• Support the Y’s HEPA standards by role modeling through participation in activities, snacks, & meals as well as avoiding consumption of foods & beverages during program hours that are inconsistent with HEPA standards.

• Be responsible for keeping equipment and materials clean, accessible and in good condition.

• Assist the teacher in keeping the classroom organized and neat.

• Administer first aid and supervise children’s personal hygiene.

• Assist in administration of medication under the direction of the classroom teacher.

• Assume the responsibilities of the classroom teacher during her absence, with the direction and support of the director.

• Assist in the preparation of materials for daily activities.

• Be responsible for daily paperwork (i.e. accident reports, unusual incident reports) needed to maintain state code.

• Assist in all bathroom procedures, diapering, potty training, hand washing, etc.

• Attend all staff meetings when necessary and contribute to the meetings.

• Be required to maintain a current CPR & First Aid Certification as well as attend workshops presented during “Center Shut Down”.

• Encouraged to attend other forms of professional training during the year.

• Be responsible for understanding and emulating the four core values.

• Be responsible for accurately recording time worked using the time management system provided on a daily basis.

REQUIREMENTS:

· High school diploma or its equivalent.

· Previous child care experience or related experience.

· Some credits or classes in education or early childhood education a plus.

· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

· Ability to work as part of a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal amounts of walking, standing, sitting, running, jumping, lifting, pushing, pulling, speaking, reading, and writing. Must be able to hear, see and respond quickly to children’s needs.