Head Start Assistant Teacher- Grace Early Learning Center

YMCA of Memphis & The MId; Cordova (TN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Memphis and the MidSouth is seeking a Head Start Assistant Teacher to support teachers and run age-appropriate activities in a child development center.

This full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm, requires at least 18 years old and a CDA or pursuing related degree. You will maintain rosters, assist with meals, ensure safety, and communicate with families as part of the YMCA mission.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• At a minimum, Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate’s or bachelor's degree.
• Enrolled in a CDA program to complete within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers in providing nurturing care to children.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate classroom activities.
• Maintain rosters and assist with sign-in/sign-out.
• Ensure the daily schedule is followed and meals/ snacks are served.
• Communicate with parents about their child’s experience and progress.
• Ensure compliance with state and local licensing and safety standards.

Skills

Nurturing care

Child supervision

Activity planning

Education

CDA

Pursuing degree (associate/bachelor)

CDA program within 2 years

Job description

YMCA OF MEMPHIS AND THE MIDSOUTH ELC - HEAD START ASSISTANT TEACHER

Description

Responsible for assisting with supervision of and implementing activities with a group of children in a child development center program.

Summary Of Position

Responsible for assisting with supervision of and implementing activities with a group of children in a child development center program.

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, Program Coordinator and/or Lead Teacher the full‑time Head Start Assistant Teacher will assist 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 the age‑appropriate classroom activities.
• Maintains accurate rosters of children in care, assisting parents with sign‑in and sign‑out.
• Ensuring the daily schedule is followed.
• Complete daily parent reports and communication tools.
• Maintaining stimulating and orderly program spaces.
• Serving meals and snacks to children.
• Complies with all risk management standards to ensure a safe environment, responding to all incidents and following the YMCA incident management process.
• Practices positive and timely communication to parents regarding their child’s experience.
• Practices positive and uplifting communication to their team.
• Assure compliance with state and local regulations.
• Maintains all training and education hours required by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services Child care Licensing.
• Attends and participates in assigned staff meetings and special events to
• Provide a collaborative and cohesive approach to the YMCA’s vision and mission.
• Assume 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

• Minimum 18 years of age
• At a minimum, Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• Enrolled in a CDA program to complete within two years of the time of hire

Work Schedule

The full time work schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm, though evenings, and weekends work may be required.

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.