Description
This position is responsible for supporting the developmental needs of children birth through three years of age in a group setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: encouraging and participating with children in daily activities, following posted class schedule and lesson plans as well as classroom discipline practices as well as maintaining positive relations and communications with families, partnership agencies and program staff. Other duties will include preparation of activities and materials, and cleaning of classroom and equipment. The Assistant Teacher shall assume the lead classroom role when the Teacher is absent.
Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Meet all Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Regulations
• Have record of a Negative TB screen and Physical within the last 6 months
• Meets KDHE Program Director qualifications K.A.R. 28-4-429(b): fewer than 13 (1,2 or 3)

After Hire Requirements:

• YMCA New Staff Orientation within the first 60 days of hire.
• Within 30 days of employment provide current certificate of completion for Infant, Child and Adult CPR, First Aid, and all KDHE required trainings.
• Completion of all Redwoods Institute Risk Management trainings before first day of employment.

Principal Activities:

• Assist the classroom Teacher to implement weekly lessons and activities and monitor developmental progress of students.
• Follow posted lesson plans and classroom schedule as directed by Teacher.
• Participate in planning.
• Record observations as directed by Teacher for developmental progress and behavior concerns.
• Facilitate children's learning through participation and encouragement.
• Assist any child who needs fed/changed/taken care of, etc.
• Supervise playground activities.

Parent Communication

• Maintain positive, open relations with all families.
• Address and greet parents by name upon arrival and departure.
• Reinforce daily to parent and child the successes and positive behaviors exhibited.
• Keep record of all behavior concerns as may arise and communicate them to the classroom teacher.
• Redirect parent concerns to the classroom Teacher and/or Teacher/Director.

Classroom Organization

• Manage all classroom supplies and equipment in a safe and organized manner.
• Complete all attendance and food service records as required.
• Maintain the classroom environment to support smooth transitions and the independent learning of children.
• Maintain neatly all storage areas.
• Follow cleaning schedule, as posted and additional items deemed necessary.
• Display all postings and children's work in a neat and orderly manner.

Maintain a safe, secure and clean environment

• Lift and carry children as needed.
• Follow all program guidelines in regards to food service, clean up and food storage.
• Complete accident / incident reports in a timely manner, following the chain of command have the report signed and provide a copy to the parent on the day of the incident.
• Support and demonstrate discipline practices in accordance with the YMCA policies and KDHE regulations.
• Support and follow all individual behavior plans for children as directed by classroom Teacher.
• Report all work related injuries to the Teacher/Director immediately and document in writing, on the appropriate form all pertinent information on the day of injury.
• Report immediately to your Teacher/Director any suspect of child abuse or neglect.
• Support toilet training and assist children when accidents occur.
• Help set up for meals and snacks, supervise children and participate in family style food service.
• Sanitize table for foodservice. Clean tables and floors following each meal or snack.

Maintain professionalism

• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
• Follow program dress code.
• Maintain appropriate attendance.
• Maintain eye contact and smile at parents, children, and staff during all communications.
• Maintain confidentiality on a strict need to know basis with parents, staff, outside agencies, and the general community.
• Display and model at all times the four Character Development aspects of Respect, Responsibility, Honest and Caring.
• Maintain current certification in Infant Child and Adult CPR, First Aid, and Signs and Symptoms.
• Plan and complete in-service hours as required by KDHE and as requested by Teacher/Director
• Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of the program philosophy, policies, procedures and student goals and objectives.
• Meet and/or exceed all KDHE regulations and CACFP guidelines in relation to programming for children birth to six.

Embodiment of the YMCA Mission:

• Know the YMCA mission, and carry it out daily.
• Follow the Association's Code of Conduct and Child Abuse Code of Conduct.
• Represent the YMCA well to all who come into contact with you and your program.
• Take concerns and complaints directly to the Teacher/Director, thus eliminating unnecessary negativity and misunderstandings.