DescriptionThis position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Preschool Assistant Teacher provides direct supervision and leadership to a group of children ages 3-5 years old. The Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing a program that fosters children's social, physical, spiritual, and mental growth. The Preschool Assistant Teacher assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
- Positively and proactively communicates with and responds to supervisor, staff, program participants, and parents.
- Ensures that program participants, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe.
- Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to program participants, remains aware of surroundings, and actively participates in all program activities.
- Prepares activities so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop talents.
- Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, completes related reports as required.
- Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the rule of three.
- Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on Child Care programs and member engagement that fosters loyalty among those we serve.
- Follows all Child Care procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, supervision of children, child care discipline, policy drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
- Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.
RequirementsMust have current CDA or at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education
- Must be 16 years of age or older (under 18 years requires working papers/proof of age).
- Experience working with children preferred.
- Upon hire must have documentation of a physical examination and a TB Tine Test, to be repeated every two years.
- Must submit Office of Early Childhood Background Check and fingerprinting forms within 30 days of hire.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish helpful.
- Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching activities.
- Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
- Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
- Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency
- Connecticut Child Care CPR/First aid certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire and maintained.
- Administration of Medications certification is preferred.