Assistant Preschool Teacher

Olympic Peninsula YMCA; Port Townsend (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated program assistants to support youth development programs. This role involves providing instructional support to young children, ensuring their safety and engagement, and collaborating with a team to implement developmentally appropriate programming. Ideal candidates will have experience working with children, strong communication skills, and a commitment to the values of caring and responsibility. Join a vibrant community-focused organization that is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and promoting healthy living and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Experience with young children and knowledge of child development is essential.
• CPR and first-aid certification is required or must be obtained within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead teacher in providing instructional support to children.
• Ensure safety and engage participants in accordance with YMCA policies.

Skills

Experience working with children ages 3-5

Knowledge of child development

Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations

Computer skills

Effective communication

CPR and first-aid certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Jefferson County YMCA - Port Townsend, WA

Salary Range: $18.49 - $18.49 Hourly

Description

Company Overview

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a non-profit organization that oversees Y programs and focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits throughout the communities we serve. We strive to promote the values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We are open to people of all ages, beliefs, incomes, races, genders and abilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION/GENERAL FUNCTION:
Program assistants help a lead teacher provide instructional support to children and implement developmentally appropriate programming. Program assistants will have the understanding, ability, physical health, emotional stability, and good judgment to meet the needs of the children in care.

LOCATIONS:
Programs are located at all Olympic Peninsula YMCA branches, which include YMCA Port Angeles, YMCA of Jefferson County, and YMCA of Sequim. Programs can be located onsite, offsite, indoors, and/or outdoors.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience working with children ages 3-5
• Knowledge of child development
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations
• Computer skills, including working with Microsoft Office, program and operating software, and internet applications.
• Ability to relate well and communicate effectively to a diverse group of individuals, in all circumstances
• Pass a comprehensive background screening
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have current CPR and first-aid certification or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provides quality participant supervision and engagement in accordance with YMCA policy
• Carry out positive guidance and discipline when needed
• Interacts with participants continually while on shift
• Ensures safety by following established cleaning schedule and safety guidelines
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with children and parents
• Seeks other tasks when child/adult ratio allows
• Work as a team with the other staff
• Other activities and/or projects as assigned
• Attends staff meetings and training as required and complete all required on-line trainings which include child abuse prevention training within 7 days of hire.
• Upholds YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management. Adheres to policies related to boundaries with youths

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND DUTIES:

• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations in accordance to mandated reporting requirements
• Responsible for general housekeeping tasks to ensure workspace is always clean
• Submits hours worked accurately on electronic time card, within timelines for supervisor approval
• Passion for high standards and believes in the YMCA mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility
• Flexible schedule needed as on occasion may need to work evenings and/or weekends
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS:

YMCA vehicle

• 25 of age or older
• Valid driver’s license
• Driving record which meets or exceeds YMCA standards, driver records request will be submitted

WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT
Inside and outside activities at all Olympic Peninsula YMCA branches. Some programs are located off site of branches. There will be times when the environment is noisy and busy.

Physical Abilities

• Bending at the waist to pick up supplies, play games and perform daily cleaning tasks
• Ability to lift a small to average size child
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
• Ability to continuously scan all areas of water environments with clear vision
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment