Early Learning Childcare Assistant Teacher

$16.00/hour

Monday - Friday

A Career with a Cause:

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. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to this cause because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. 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.

General Functions:

Under the guidance of the Program Coordinator and the Head Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for the direct supervision, teaching and safety of the children at all times. The position requires the ability to implement quality children’s programs that are developmentally age appropriate. Participate as a member of a team. Create a warm and nurturing environment that will ensure the safety and well-being of each child while emphasizing program excellence. Employment is contingent upon the incumbent clearing all NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) licensing requirements; these requirements include fingerprinting, background screening and clearance on the State Central Register (SCR) and Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCL) within the first 30-days of employment. Prior to being assigned to their position, the incumbent is required to complete an initial medical statement and tuberculin test. If the incumbent previously worked in a Child/Day Care setting, a prior medical statement and tuberculin test may be accepted if dated within 12-months preceding the date of the application.

YMCA Early Learning Center Child Care Center Quality Service Theme:

We make a positive difference in families’ lives by partnering with parents, which promotes quality care to support Children’s healthy growth and development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be aware and adhere to New York State Department of Children and Family Services child day care regulations.
• Become well versed in the YMCA’s philosophy, policies, and procedures. Work with other staff members to promote and enhance program philosophy and goals.
• Comply with all Association and branch specific policies and procedures.
• Respect and maintain the need for confidentiality in all matters relating to children, families, staff, and center business.
• Use a problem solving approach to confront and solve problems and sources of conflict calmly, without resorting to punishment (of children), yelling violence, or gossip.
• Serve as a role model for parents, volunteers, children, and other staff members.
• Participate in recommended training programs, staff meeting, and in-service sessions.
• Report to working area at scheduled time.

Early Childhood Programming

• Maintain an organized classroom environment and establish methods for advance preparation of materials as need in accordance with the centers philosophy and goals.
• Follow chain of command when addressing daily programming problems, changes in children’s behavior, and concerns shared by parents. This should occur on a regular basis and before developing a plan of action to resolve the problem.
• Whenever there is a suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment in any form, the Director must be notified immediately.
• Recognize and allow for individual differences in development and cultural background when planning for learning experiences. Plan for individual needs and maintain evidence of planning and goals for each child.
• Demonstrate awareness of the programming needs of the Center as a whole by cooperating with the entire staff in sharing and caring for the equipment and supplies and communicating with concerns.

Leadership

• Share pertinent information or concerns about individual children with team members and identify possible solutions as a team.
• Coordinate a system for dividing and sharing less pleasant classroom tasks (i.e. material preparation, diapering, clean up, etc.).

Parent Relationship Building

• Develop an effective partnership based on mutual trust and respect.
• Greet parents directly on arrival to ensure a warm transition to the Center.
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents, sharing all pertinent information about the children’s progress, accidents, or illness at the center via written daily reports and oral communication.

Organizing the Environment

• Maintain an attractive, orderly environment conductive to children’s development.
• Create a warm atmosphere that welcomes children, parents, and visitors.
• Consider the environment from the child’s perspective, posting visual displays at child’s eye level and sitting, kneeling, or squatting to interact with children at their level.
• Be aware and adhere to all safety and health procedures of the Center (i.e. wearing gloves for food handling, diaper changing, bodily fluid clean up etc.).
• Remove unsafe furniture or equipment and request new materials or repairs as needed.
• Assist in caring for equipment and supplies and maintain organization of storage areas and cabinets.
• Utilize techniques outlined in the Center’s discipline policy to implement a positive approach to discipline that preserves and maintains feelings of dignity and self-respect.
• Other duties as assigned.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

• Be aware of and adhere to New York State Department of Health regulations.
• Ensure that all facilities, program areas and equipment are clean and in proper working order.
• Loading and unloading the dishwasher as needed.
• Cleaning the refrigerator as needed.
• Children’s cots wiped down with disinfectant 1 time a week or as needed if ill.
• Toys:
• Immediate disinfecting of toys used for teething or mouthing.
• Routine disinfecting of small toys 1 time a week.
• Routine disinfecting of large toys 1 time daily.
• Any classroom with a child who is sent home or is absent due to a contagious illness must take all cleaning precautions to prevent spread of illness immediately