Early Learning Center - Assistant Teacher (Jackson, TN)

Ymcamemphis; Tennessee; On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to youth development and community strengthening. As an Assistant Teacher at an Early Learning Center, you will play a vital role in nurturing and educating young children. This part-time position involves working closely with classroom teachers to create a safe and engaging environment for children aged five and under. You'll be responsible for planning activities, maintaining communication with parents, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. If you are passionate about making a difference in children's lives and fostering a love for learning, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma.
• One year of experience with children under five is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers in providing care and implementing activities.
• Maintain accurate rosters and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Child Care Experience

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Description

EARLY LEARNING CENTER - ASSISTANT TEACHER (JACKSON, TN)

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the general direction of the Center Director and Teacher, the part-time Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting with supervision of and implementing activities with a group of children in a child development center program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist classroom teachers and lead teachers in areas including, but not limited to:
• Providing excellent and nurturing care to all children in the classroom.
• Planning and implementation of age-appropriate classroom activities.
• Maintaining accurate rosters of children in care, assisting parents with sign-in and out.
• Ensuring the daily schedule is followed.
• Completing daily parent reports and communication tools.
• Maintaining stimulating and orderly program spaces.
• Serving meals and snacks to children.
• Complying with all risk management standards to ensure a safe environment, responding to all incidents and following the YMCA incident management process.
• Practicing positive and timely communication to parents regarding their child’s experience.
• Practicing positive and uplifting communication to their team.
• Assuring compliance with state and local regulations.
• Maintaining all training and education hours required by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services child care Licensing.
• Attending and participating in assigned staff meetings and special events to provide a collaborative and cohesive approach to the YMCA’s vision and mission.
• Assuming other duties and responsibilities as assigned by and agreed to by their supervisor to meet the changing needs of the program and/or branch.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. 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.

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience working with children ages five years and younger.
• Current state-approved first-aid certification.*
• Current state-approved infant/child (or community if school-aged) CPR certification.*
• TB test or signed statement from a medical provider showing negative results for tuberculosis **
• Medical Physical Exam - Required by DHS**
• Completion of minimum STARS required training.
• Preferred knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Must meet all other required qualifications set by DHS - child care licensing.

Certifications Required:

Before a new hire is scheduled to work, they must complete 12 hours of training.

* At hire, or earliest possible training (but no later than 90 days after employment.)

*Prior to beginning child care duties.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Flexible work schedule required. Work schedules may vary per the needs of the specific Early Learning Center site.

Typical hours of operation for Early Learning Centers are 6:30 am - 6:30 pm (subject to change & may vary per site).

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping.
• Some exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms.
• Exposure to some chemical elements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally, and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.