Assistant Teacher

Ann Arbor YMCA; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support the Lead Teacher and Director in creating a nurturing environment for children aged 3.5 to 5 years. This role involves engaging with children through various educational activities, ensuring their safety, and fostering positive relationships with both children and parents. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a patient demeanor, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join this rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in early childhood education while working in a collaborative team setting.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience working with children and families.
• CPR and First Aid certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood education experiences.
• Supervise activities to ensure children’s safety.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

YMCA-specific Software

Job description

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The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for children (3 1/2 - 5 years) and assisting in activities to enhance care and education quality. They must communicate effectively, listen, and work well with others in a team. Assisting staff in implementing a quality educational program, developing positive relationships with children and parents, observing and documenting children’s interests and progress, and relaying this information to parents and staff are key responsibilities. Assistant Teachers implement developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the guidance of the Lead Teacher and Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood education experiences, including art, music, movement, math, science, and language, emphasizing the YMCA curriculum, Creative Curriculum, NAEYC standards, and Great Start to Quality Standards.
2. Actively engage in activities; help establish and maintain daily routines such as food prep, cleanup, following schedules, naptime, and toy cleaning.
3. Help ensure smooth transitions from home to the center. Greet children and adults warmly each day.
4. Assist in planning and organizing activities and lessons, including centers, group activities, and motor activities.
5. Supervise activities to ensure children’s safety, complete incident or illness reports, and communicate with the Director immediately.
6. Model and promote behaviors that support physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
7. Encourage healthy eating, physical activity, self-help skills, and good hygiene through modeling.
8. Maintain respectful interactions with children and adults, fostering a positive environment.
9. Follow all policies and regulations, including laws related to child abuse and neglect, and proper reporting procedures.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2. Attend staff meetings.
3. Read all YMCA communications.
4. Perform any other duties as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. At least one year of experience working with children and families.
3. Experience in a NAEYC-accredited program preferred.
4. Ability to learn YMCA-specific software within 14 days of hire.
5. CPR and First Aid certification strongly preferred.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, and teamwork ability.
7. Physical examination including TB test within six months prior to or 30 days after starting work.
8. Patient, energetic, and goal-oriented attitude.
9. Responsive to the needs of parents and children in the program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
2. Assist children up to 50 pounds.
3. Lift and carry up to 20 pounds of supplies.
4. Maintain alertness while standing or sitting for hours.
5. Bend, lean, kneel, and walk as needed.
6. Effective verbal communication skills.
7. Visual and auditory ability to respond to emergencies and act swiftly.
8. Ability to view and enter data for long periods.

POSITION DETAILS:

Monday to Friday, 1-6 pm

Minimum 15-20 hours per week.

SALARY:

$15.50/hour