Assistant Preschool Teacher

The Y is a dynamic and diverse human service organization committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

ASSISTANT PRESCHOOL TEACHER

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Preschool Center Director, and in harmony with the Christian nature and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA, the Assistant Preschool Teacher is responsible for assisting with the supervision of a classroom. The assistant holds primary responsibility for the education, health, welfare, and safety of the children within his/her classroom.  It is expected that he or she will meet or exceed all pertinent licensing requirements and maintain Association guidelines for 5 Star quality standards. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Standards of health and safety (Sanitation)

• Learning environment

• Nutrition and food preparation

• Physical safety and well-being of children and staff

The Assistant Preschool Teacher possesses the youth competencies for the job that will allow him/her to provide high-quality early care and learning experiences at all times. The YMCA mission is your highest priority and its goals for these children and their families are of the utmost importance.  A professional, clean appearance and a respectful and committed attitude are always the minimal expectation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. While being sensitive to the ages and stages of the children in the classroom: support in planning, supervising, and implementing individually appropriate activities for the children using the prescribed association curriculum, lesson plans, and weekly themes as the curriculum base. Assist with the planning for Blocks, Housekeeping, Table Toys, Art, Language & Listening, Music & Movement, Sand & Water, and Outside Play centers.  

2. Work as a team within the center to plan, coordinate, share resources and maximize the children’s experiences.

3. Organize the environment into clearly defined areas and display props, accessories, and materials where they are to be used in ways that invite children’s involvement.  Expand and enrich children’s play by adding new materials, equipment, and props to each interest area regularly no less than monthly.

4. Maintain a consistent schedule that does not sacrifice flexibility when needed, and routines that enable children to predict events and develop a basic sense of trust.  This schedule should incorporate no less than one hour of uninterrupted center time in the a.m. and the same in the p.m. The schedule should also incorporate large group time and small group time along with outside time. Individual time with each child is expected as part of the daily routine.

5. Support in facilitating in the classroom.  The consistent interchange with each child throughout the day is the only acceptable model.  The assistant teacher shall regularly interact with children, talking about their work, focusing on their processes, providing new vocabulary, and reinforcing efforts.  Supervision of the children without such “hands-on” interaction is not acceptable.

6. Support in maintaining classroom discipline.  The teacher uses positive behavior techniques, and works with parents to help children develop self-control, and carry out discipline only in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.   

7. Appreciate the importance of parent involvement and work to incorporate parents as a crucial part of the program.  Ensure that at all times classrooms are cleaned and organized in a manner fit for tours.  Maintain open communications between peer staff, parents, and families.

8. Maintain a professional attitude. The teacher shall display a professional demeanor, and maintain discernible loyalty to the program and the YMCA at all times.

9. Upholds the association’s child protection policies, child abuse, and neglect guidelines, and proper reporting procedures at all times. 

10. Adheres to all licensing standards.

11. Report any occurrence to Child Care Director immediately and fills out appropriate paperwork needed before the end of the work day that the occurrence happened.

12. Maintains ongoing communication with supervisor

13. All other tasks and duties as assigned by Regional Youth Development Director

14. Remember that at all times you represent the YMCA.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Collaboration

• Communication & Influence

• Developing Self & Others

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Assistant Preschool Teacher must meet the qualifications (of program leader) as set by the Department of Social Services and the higher YMCA of South Hampton Roads qualifications by fulfilling the following:

1. Previous experience working with children preferably in a childcare setting

2. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.

3. At least 16 years of age (The age minimum may be higher depending on state law and YMCA policies)

4. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date

5. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

1. May be required to walk, stand, run, kneel, climb and stoop. 

2. Must be able to sit on the floor and get back up.

3. Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking.

4. Must be able to lift, pull and pull up to 50 pounds

5. Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time

6. Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications

7.  will occasionally work in outside weather conditions, and is occasionally exposed to wet, cold and/or humid conditions. 

8. May occasionally be exposed to cleaning supplies and the noise level in the center is usually loud.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads values you as an employee, and we are excited about what you have to contribute to this group of children and the YMCA in its entirety.  The YMCA mission is your highest priority and its goals for these children and their families are of the utmost importance. A professional, clean appearance and a respectful and committed attitude are always the minimal expectation.

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. Additional alcohol and/ or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.

The YMCA of SouthHampton Roads is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at YSHR will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. YSHR does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or genetics.

Please Note: Requirements, skills, and abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialfunctions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive.