Assistant Infant/Toddler Teacher

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lead Teacher with the daily operation and supervision of the infant/toddler classroom.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times and ensure children are never left unattended.
• Provide responsive, nurturing care that supports each child's physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development.
• Assist with age-appropriate activities, experiences, and classroom routines that encourage learning through play and exploration.
• Support children's individual feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, and other care routines in accordance with established procedures and each child's needs.
• Follow safe sleep practices and all applicable infant/toddler health and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Assist with cleaning and sanitizing toys, equipment, feeding areas, changing areas, and other classroom materials as required.
• Observe children and communicate relevant information regarding their development, behavior, health, and daily activities to the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with maintaining accurate classroom records, including attendance, meals/feedings, diapering, naps, incidents, and other required documentation.
• Build positive, professional relationships with parents and guardians and provide appropriate information regarding their child's day.
• Immediately report injuries, illnesses, unusual behaviors, safety concerns, suspected child abuse or neglect, and other concerns in accordance with YMCA policies and mandated reporter requirements
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and follow all applicable Community Care Licensing requirements.
• Assist with transitions between activities and help maintain consistent classroom routines.
• Respond appropriately to children's individual needs, including comforting children and supporting positive social-emotional development.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and other Early Learning Center activities as required.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and employees.
• Follow all Santa Monica Family YMCA policies, procedures, safety practices, and Standards of Conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 6 ECE units from an accredited college.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications.
• Safety, Sexual Harassment, Child Abuse prevention, Mandate Reporter, and other assigned in-person/online training within 30 days of hire date.
• Up-to-date TB test every 2 years. If you have a chest x-ray on file a TB test is no longer required.
• Must have a current Live scan active on file OR obtain clearance prior to first day of hire (live scan is at the expense of the employee)
• Previous experience working with infant/toddler children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to execute and lead age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.