Assistant Teacher

Creative growth is encouraged by designing a curriculum that allows each child to contribute in his or her unique way. Children, parents, teachers, and the environment form a complete circle of learning inspiring, all to join in the process. The role of the Teacher Assistant is to support the Lead Teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe learning environment that is cognitively stimulating, aesthetically pleasing, and fosters a child’s emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth using a Reggio Emilia Inspired approach to a child’s learning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. The Teacher Assistant will assist the Lead Teacher as they:

Assist in planning and facilitating daily programs that are age appropriate and cognitively stimulating.

Assist with arranging space, setting and materials in the classroom and outdoors, according to the highest standard rating scales; ensuring a clean, orderly, child-centered environment.

Facilitate a child’s learning by using a Reggio Emilia inspired educational philosophy. Demonstrate proficiency in the area of adapting lessons and activities to meet the needs of all children. If required to use Creative Curriculum, plan and implement it through a Reggio lens.

Formally observe children’s activities and progress; document and share information regarding children’s experiences with the teaching team and parents/guardians regularly.

Use observation, documentation, and data drawn from the GOLD assessment tool as the foundation of provocations and experiences.

Be knowledgeable of Virginia’s Quality Initiatives and NAEYC accreditation standards. Enforce all licensing regulations and nationalaccreditation standards.

Maintain up-to-date children’s portfolio and assessmentrecords.

Maintain up-to-date and accurate administrative paperwork including meal counts, cleaning checklists, etc.

Develop and maintain a supportive rapport with parents/guardians, and facilitate parent/guardian participation in the classrooms. Establish communication structures with parents that include classroom conferences, home visits, etc. Communicate with parents as determined by the teaching team regarding behavior and other sensitive situations.

Promote community and foster social responsibility through multicultural and anti-bias programming and environments.

Manage children’s behavior in a solution-focused, trauma-informed manner.

Demonstrate professionalism, engagement, and kindness to all children and families regardless of race, religion, nationality, abilities, familial status or make up, etc.

Maintain a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, families and co-workers. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Lead Teacher, Site Supervisor and/or Director.

Must be able to commit to alignment with the organization’s mission and values.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age with an ECE Certificate, CDA or 15 college credits in ECE.

At least 1 year of direct experience in an early childhood setting (Infant/Toddler - Preschool)

Good written and oral communication skills

Thorough knowledge of principles and techniques of Early Childhood Education

YWCA Richmond is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a drug-free workplace, we require all employees to pass a pre-employment drug test and adhere to our strict policy prohibiting the use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances while on company premises or conducting company business.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18