Preschool Assistant Teacher (YMCA West San Gabriel Valley)

Shelby American, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking nonprofit dedicated to youth development and community strengthening. As an Assistant Teacher, you will create nurturing relationships with young children and their families, promoting a positive learning environment. Your role will involve implementing age-appropriate curricula, supporting inclusion, and ensuring safety standards are met. This dynamic position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and foster their growth in a supportive community. If you are passionate about guiding youth and building strong relationships, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Current Child Development Assistant Permit required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in nurturing children through purposeful programming.
• Maintain close supervision of assigned children and manage behavior.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Emotional maturity

Ability to develop relationships

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Current Child Development Assistant Permit

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Description

This position supports the work of a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Teacher (2-5 yr. olds) creates positive, nurturing relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Under the Teacher, the assistant teacher provides direction for the children in the classroom and assists to implement program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Relationships, Communication, Developing Others, Inclusion, Quality Results, Project Management, Functional Expertise

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the teacher to nurture children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program.
• Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
• Actively supports inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
• As directed by the teacher, implement program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with the values, Desired Results findings, and established guidelines. Create and maintain a learning environment that is safe, clean and healthy according to the Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS or SACERS).
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and expectations.
• As directed by the teacher, makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child following the assessment tools provided in the curriculum. Communicates with the teacher regarding child’s development.
• Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
• Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintains positive relationships with parents, other team members and community partners. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AGE: Eighteen years or older

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent

ECE/CD UNITS: Current Child Development Assistant Permit. Renew every 5 years with 105 hours of professional growth.

RELATED EXPERIENCE: Under the direction of the teacher, help to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved EMSA or American Red Cross First Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (8 hours). Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program. Basic Water Safety certification for school-age programs. A course in Preventative Health Practices (PHP), measles vaccination and physical exam.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Job does include water-related activities.