What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teacher Assistant (ECI-U) position at YMCA of the East Bay?
We are seeking reliable, nurturing, career-minded teachers for our Early Learning Centers. Serving children from birth to 5 years old, our infant and preschool programs provide high-quality child care and holistic support for low income families, and work to ensure that all our kids are prepared for a lifetime of learning with the tools and support they need to thrive.
POSITION SUMMARY:
These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. Teacher Assistants are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the center by providing high quality and responsive care to children and families in a setting that is inclusive for children of all abilities. Teacher Assistants contribute to services that are aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, rules and regulations determined by the California Department of Education, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Community Care Licensing. Teacher Assistants provide support in multiple ways to include: supporting primary teachers in the classroom, provide staff breaks and/or covering classrooms as needed, and/or provide Food Service. Teacher Assistants must be in the company of qualified Teachers at all times until they successfully attain 12 core college units of Early Childhood Education.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist Teachers in planning, preparing, and implementing learning activities that meet curriculum goals for individuals or groups of children.
- Provide guidance and supervision to children during all program activities, including diapering/toileting, tooth brushing, and meal times.
- Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.
- Provide input and insight about children’s development to Teachers during the screening, observation and assessment process.
- Assist Teachers in collecting photos and anecdotes to document children’s learning.
- Assist Teachers by accompanying them during Home Visits with families, when requested.
- Assist Teachers by covering classroom ratios and supervision during break times, lunch times, and meeting/paperwork time.
- Create warm and welcoming relationships with children and families.
- Assist Teachers in maintaining stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environments. This may include daily monitoring and inspection of physical environments.
- Assist families in signing in and out accurately, as well as maintain accurate attendance, head count, meal count, and Infant Toddler daily records.
- Attend monthly staff meetings and required professional development opportunities.
- Prepare food based on what is indicated on the daily menu utilizing health and sanitation procedures including washing hands, using gloves, and sanitizing food preparation areas properly.
- Divide food into correct portions for each classroom.
- Provide food, dishes, utensils, and other supplies to each classroom in time for meal service. Clean and sanitize dishes and utensils after every use.
- Review transportation sheets to be sure that they match what is indicated on the daily menu. Log changes on the menu and transportation sheet, when necessary.
- Promptly inform the Center Director of missing food items upon delivery.
- Fill out Meal Incident Reports to communicate issues related to food quality and quantity.
- Heat food in the microwave, oven, or hot box if it is not at the proper temperature.
- Ensure accurate documentation of refrigerator and freezer temperature logs twice daily.
- Clean and sanitize thermometers before and after every use.
- Clean and maintain refrigerator and kitchen areas, recycling as appropriate.
- Order condiments and supplies, communicating orders to the Center Director.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS
This position has a primary impact on the operations of the ECI Program. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:
- The knowledge and implementation of relevant/required program procedures.
- The sound administration of systems and records that are up-to-date and accurate.
- A healthy and safe workplace and school environment.
- Positive outcomes for children and families that are aligned with program goals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- The employee must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- The employee is required to work outdoors daily.
- Mobility to quickly respond to emergencies
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Upon hire, unless already achieved, must enroll in at least 3 units of Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university per semester, until 12 units are successfully completed with a grade of C or better
- One year of Early Childhood classroom experience preferred, but not required, volunteer or paid experience will be considered
- Ability to work effectively in a high stress environment
- Physical examination and TB clearance
- Proof of immunization for Measles and Pertussis, Flu vaccination recommended but not required
- LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance.
- Must be able to communicate in English with proficiency, bilingual or multilingual preferred
- Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds
- Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance
- Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 15 hours of preventative health and safety training or completion of this training within 90 days of hire
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs
