Preschool Assistant Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Membership Director at Anytown YMCA intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervises the children, classroom, and all program activities.

2. Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the Y; makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.

3. Nurtures children through purposeful programming; creates lesson plans that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes.

4. Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.

5. Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.

6. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.

7. Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; conducts parent/caregiver conferences; connects families to the Y.

8. Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.

9. Performs other duties as assigned.

10. Perform excellent service to all members, staff, volunteers and guests.

11. Build relationships by using names and initiating conversations with all members, staff, volunteers and guests.

12. Communicate with supervisor, staff, members, guests, and volunteers in a clear, concise and positive manner while using Listen First skills.

13. Understands, supports and is committed to the YMCA cause and our role in the community as a leader in Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

14. Understands, follows and demonstrates the Y Competencies listed below.

15. Attend all required department meetings/training.

16. Responsible for assuring high standards of program quality, and safety in accordance with YMCA safety and risk management policies.

17. Follow all policies and procedures as set forth in the employee handbook, department handbook and the emergency response plan manual.

18. Act as a positive role model while implementing YMCA character development and following the four core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect.

19. Help build awareness that the Y is a charitable organization.

20. Arrive 5minutes before the shift starts and be prepared, if closing; stay until the last child is gone.

21. Provide an environment which promotes smooth and orderly transition.

22. Conduct self in a professional, responsible manner.

23. Encourage parent involvement in the programs.

24. Perform other related duties as assigned by your supervisor or CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training & Work Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· An assistant teacher must meet the criteria to be a teacher according to the State of Illinois Licensing regulations for group childcare.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills & Certifications

· Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from participants, members, staff, administration, or the general public.

· Ability to write reports that conform to prescribed style and format.

· Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

· Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions that deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

YMCA Provides:

· Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED and basic first aid

· Child Abuse and Prevention Training

· Bloodborne Pathogens Training

· Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities.

· Stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; and talk to hear.

· Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

· The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person