Preschool Assistant Teacher

Pay Range: Starts at $15.00 per hour, depending on experience

Position Summary

Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle TN, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the direction of the Preschool Director and/or Coordinator, the Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care, safety, and well being of all children in the group The Preschool Assistant Teacher must carry out a developmentally appropriate program geared to pre-school children and be able to demonstrate, verbally and by role modeling, a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and child development knowledge. The Preschool Assistant Teacher must have a thorough knowledge of center philosophy; policies, TDHS licensing, TNELDS, ITERS/ECERS criteria, and the ability to positively communicate them to co-workers, parents, and community. The Preschool Assistant teacher will be under the supervision of the Lead Teacher.

Essential Functions

• Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Ensure safe and risk free environment at all times while meeting the individual needs of the participants
• Responsible for the welfare, safety and health of the children
• Responsible for the daily cleaning and sanitary condition of classroom, toys and spaces used with the YMCA
• Promote healthy nutrition habits by sitting and eating with the children, encouraging children to “try” new foods
• Assist in designing enriched learning environments that support a caring classroom community
• Assist in caring out lesson plans, reports and requested tasks promptly and accurately
• Follow all DHS and YMCA policies and procedures
• Supervise substitutes and volunteers in Lead Teacher’s absences
• Assist to ensure that curriculum includes intentional implementation of DAP literacy, math, science, creative expression and arts, health and social studies
• Address challenging behaviors of students with the Lead Teacher initially prior to contacting parents
• Establish and maintain professional, ongoing, 2-way communications with parents or guardians regarding their child’s development and daily activities
• Make learning meaningful by being attentive and responsive to children’s interest and needs; use instruction to deepen children’s understanding by building skill and knowledge
• Identify and make use of community resources and partnerships
• Maintain confidentiality concerning all children
• Must take daily attendance of children and know total number of children in classroom at all times
• Implement procedures to prevent incidents of child abuse; identify incidents of abuse and report them in appropriate and timely manner
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions
  
  

Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA

An enthusiastic personality with the desire to serve members, volunteers, guests, participants and staff to create a culture of service within our Centers

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community

• Must present a professional image and possess conflict resolution skills, and demonstrate sound judgment and initiative
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information
• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred
• TECTA with two years experience working with children required
• CDA preferred
• Adequate knowledge of current evidence and research based developmentally appropriate practices to provide the leadership needed to develop a stimulating learning environment that supports language learning, literacy practices, math play, science explorations, positive approaches to learning and the building of strong social and emotional development in each child
  
  

Certifications Required

Before start of 1st shift:

• New Hire Orientation training
• DHS Background Disclosure Form & Fingerprint appointment
• Abuse Registry Check
• DHS Physical health form
• Proof of education
• Completed references report
• Past Employment reference
  
  

Within 30 days of hire: CPR Pro/ First Aid/ AED

Must maintain annual training requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand; walk on uneven surfaces; sit; handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must be able to lift up to 40 pounds. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level is usually minimal to moderate.