Preschool Teacher Assistant: Harris YMCA

Under the direction of Program Director, or branch specific designee, and in accordance with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Preschool Assistant Teacher will assist in implementing all classroom activities and lesson plans. The Preschool Assistant Teacher assumes shared responsibility for the welfare, supervision and safety of the children enrolled in the programs and will help to ensure quality programs, safe activities, and participant satisfaction. Work towards the mission of the YMCA, while also fostering a love of learning within a community of quality, play-based education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the supervision, safety and care of children in the assigned preschool area
• Assist Lead Teacher with the implementation of daily lesson plans and activities
• Lead small group lessons and modify based on children’s diverse abilities
• Lead large group activities including circle time, calendar, group games, etc.
• Assist in classroom behavior management
• Assist with check in and check out procedures
• Assist in classroom prep and clean-up as well as that of common areas in the preschool
• Maintain knowledge of and enforce all applicable policies
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled
• Promotion and implementation of YMCA mission

 YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s 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 person’s
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.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The qualified candidate must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of HS diploma or equivalency
• Minimum of 1 year previous child care experience required.
• Completion of 20 hours of training in early childhood education and curriculum best practices annually.
• Completion of Basic Safety Series and Child Abuse Prevention trainings upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, team environment 

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work irregular work hours.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.