Assistant Teacher- Pre-K Counts

River Valley Regional YMCA; Lock Haven (Clinton County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

River Valley Regional YMCA is looking for a Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher in Lock Haven, PA, to assist with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate programs for young children. The ideal candidate will possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, have two years of relevant experience, and be prepared to engage with diverse populations. Responsibilities include ensuring safety, maintaining communication with families, and assisting in curriculum planning. This role requires certifications in CPR and First Aid within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Possession of an active Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two years of related work experience.
• Successful completion of CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Biannual physical examination and initial TB test required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in establishing a safe learning environment.
• Maintain an efficient and well-organized classroom.
• Provide materials and activities appropriate for children’s developmental progress.

Skills

Ability to work with children

Communication skills

Ability to plan activities

Education

Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Position Summary

The Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher functions as an integral part of the teaching team, assisting with the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate daily program of activities that promote each child’s affective, cognitive, physical, perceptual‑motor, communicative, and social competence. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Lead Teacher and involves sharing the responsibilities pertinent to ensuring the safe and healthful care and management of enrolled children. Involvement includes maintaining contact and open communication with parents, program staff, and community resources.

Qualifications

• Possession of an active Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two (2) years of work experience related to the care and development of children.
• Ability to obtain compliance with Act 33, including documentation of Child Abuse History (Form CY‑113), Criminal History (Form SP4‑164), FBI fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry Verification (NSOR‑V), and Mandated Reporter training.
• Biannual physical examination and initial TB (Mantoux) test, and freedom from any infectious or communicable disease.
• Ability to work with and relate well to young children and coworkers.
• Ability to supervise adults when necessary.
• Successfully complete the New Staff Orientation.
• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age‑appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations and the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Pre‑K Counts Assistant Teacher does not directly supervise other staff. However, all department staff are responsible for each other’s safety and well‑being.

Essential Functions

• Assists in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful learning environment.
• Assists in maintaining an efficient, well‑arranged classroom including interest areas that provide direction and a sense of organization.
• Keeps equipment and materials in good repair and stored in a safe, orderly fashion.
• Cleans and sanitizes toys and cots weekly and as needed.
• Assists in providing materials and activities appropriate for the children’s developmental progress and individual learning styles.
• Assists in planning for a multi‑sensory classroom environment (visual, auditory, tactile, etc).
• Assists in supporting children’s social‑emotional development and providing positive guidance.
• Assists in providing children with opportunities for success through individual, small group, and large group activities, including free play.
• Involves children in all phases of self‑help training (dressing, toileting, handwashing, eating, etc).
• Utilizes appropriate group management techniques.
• Eats with children, modeling proper table manners and sharing the same menu.
• Encourages daily health routines with children, including tooth brushing and hand washing.
• Provides adequate supervision, ensuring the safety of active children.
• Maintains emergency information and initiates emergency action when necessary.
• Assists in curriculum planning that includes multicultural and multi‑ethnic materials, displays, and activities.
• Assists in providing educational opportunities through individualized hands‑on food experiences that integrate curriculum areas into nutrition (reading readiness, science, math, language, etc).
• Provides guidance in nutritional experiences, including family‑style meals (self‑service, passing, pouring, table setting, table cleaning, etc).

Assists in Establishing Positive And Productive Communication With Families

• Assists in maintaining contact with parents through verbal and written communication, posted information, etc.
• Speaks with families in a friendly, courteous, and respectful manner.

Carries Out Supplementary And Planning Responsibilities

• Provides input into daily curriculum.
• Maintains accurate, up‑to‑date records (children's files, time sheets, attendance, meal participation forms, inventories, etc.).
• Helps maintain classroom cleanliness (washes tables before and after snack, sweeps floor, cleans up spills promptly, etc.).
• Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings.
• Prepares classroom materials, bulletin boards, learning centers, etc.
• Assumes responsibility of classroom in supervisor’s absence.
• Reports immediately any child suspected of being abused to the Director.
• Follows the appropriate dress code set forth by the agency.
• Completes the required number of training hours annually.
• Adheres to policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Policy & Procedure Manual.

YMCA Competencies (Leader)

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Supports fund‑raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high‑value experience for children and families.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self‑development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well, uses best practices, and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.
• Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. Communicates effectively with different audiences at all levels in the organization, easily adapting his/her approach and the focus of his/her message to the audience.

Requirements

• Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to get down on the floor and interact with the children on their level.

Pennsylvania Department Of Education (PDE) Requirements

• Undergo continuous professional development as outlined by PDE, up to 24 hours per school year.
• Availability for full‑time, school‑year appointment (180 school days + Professional Development days).
• Maintenance of all Department of Human Services (DHS), Keystone STARS, and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements.