Teacher Aide – New Britain‑Berlin YMCA
Overview
This position works as part of a teaching team, partnering with the teacher/lead teacher to develop activities that provide children—both typically developing and with disabilities—with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. The Teacher Aide assists the teacher in conveying educational objectives, promotes parent involvement, and may be assigned additional duties based on program needs.
Responsibilities
- Assist the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities, including lesson planning.
- Develop materials and provide activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
- Participate in the screening, observation, and documentation of children.
- Help supervise at mealtime, encouraging good nutrition and social skills.
- Maintain a clean and orderly classroom.
- Know each child and parent personally.
- Use initiative and imagination to assist children while being perceptive of their needs.
- Assist the teacher in any aspect of the program as needs arise.
- Take charge of the class in the teacher’s absence.
- Make home visits with the teacher as required and document them.
General Job Activities
- Understand, generate, and document in‑kind and other allowable costs for the non‑federal share requirement.
- Attend all workshops, meetings, and required staff and parent activities as directed by the supervisor.
- Understand Performance Standards and local child‑care licensing regulations.
- Be knowledgeable of regulations related to occupational health and safety, including universal precautions and contamination prevention.
- Promote the YMCA positively in the community.
- Maintain strict confidentiality concerning children, families, and staff.
- Be familiar with the Meriden‑NBB YMCA Employee Handbook, Operations Manual, and other relevant documents.
Qualifications
- Minimum requirement: high school diploma or GED plus some experience working with children.
- A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is preferred.
- Within 90 days of employment, obtain and maintain a basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification, or higher if required by local/state regulations.
- Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree, or hold such a degree in any field.
- Be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Occasional gentle physical restraint of children.
- Must be able to lift up to 45 lbs.
- Exposure to communicable diseases.
- Noise level may be moderate to loud.
- Travel by car, bus, airplane, or train may be required for conferences and duties outside the state, including occasional overnight travel.
- Work is primarily in a classroom setting with some office work.
- Evening and weekend work may be required for events such as home visits and parent–teacher conferences.
If you are unable to perform any of the required functions due to a disability, please direct requests for accommodation to the Program Director or the Meriden‑NBB YMCA.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Education and Training
EEO Statement
New Britain‑Berlin YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.