Preschool for All Assistant Teacher

Ymcachicago; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Preschool for All Assistant Teacher, where you’ll play a vital role in nurturing young minds. This position involves collaborating with classroom teachers to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional and social development. You will engage with children through play, observation, and tailored activities, ensuring their individual needs are met according to established standards. With a focus on continuous learning and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families. Embrace the opportunity to grow in a supportive and dynamic setting that values your contributions.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off (PTO)

403(b) plan with company contributions

Continuous learning opportunities

Flexible work hours

Discounts on programs

Employee assistance programs

Family gym membership

Qualifications

• Must have CDA or equivalent credential and experience with children aged 3-5.
• Proficient in communication and able to organize multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide responsive caregiving to help children develop secure relationships.
• Assist in planning and delivering age-appropriate instructional activities.
• Maintain classroom safety and health standards at all times.

Skills

Child Growth and Development Understanding

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Detail Orientation

Ability to Build Rapport

Continuous Learning

Education

CDA Credential

Gateways to Opportunity Level 2 Credential

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Indian Boundary YMCA
711 59th St.
Downers Grove, IL 60516, USA

Shape the Future: Be a Preschool for All Assistant Teacher at Buehler YMCA!

The PFAE Assistant Teacher works cooperatively with both classroom teachers to ensure prompt and responsive care to each child, responding to their emotional, social, physical, and educational needs. Principal duties include promoting a supportive and positive classroom climate, attention and engagement in activities and play that stimulates development and frequent high-quality language experiences. Further responsibilities involve child observation, assessment, and adapting routines and daily experiences to meet individual child interests and abilities.

The Assistant Teacher communicates with classroom teachers regarding all aspects of each child’s care and classroom management and conducts child observation and assessment of children assigned in the classroom, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state, and local standards.

Salary starts at $51,744 per year based on qualifications

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.
• Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.
• A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Provide responsive caregiving and continuity to help children develop secure relationships while focusing on the children’s social and emotional well-being.
• Support and embrace the agency written plan for continuity of care.
• Assist in the planning, preparation, and delivery of age-appropriate instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child.
• Assist the Early Head Start Teacher in rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs).
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom and ensure the health and physical safety of children at all times.
• Meet the individual needs of each child at their physical level.
• Interact with and assist children individually or in small groups to guide and reinforce learning concepts.
• Assist with the completion of daily recording of health checks, communication logs, attendance, and meals.
• Guide and support all children, including dual language learners and those with special needs.
• Model and promote appropriate English grammar, language, positive interactions, and discipline for children and parents.
• Establish a professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom.
• Develop effective communication and professional relationships with families and encourage parent involvement.
• Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
• Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards and Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management:

• Collaborate with classroom team members to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children.
• Gather, arrange, and display children’s work appropriately.
• Assist classroom team to maintain an attractive, clean, safe, and engaging classroom environment.
• Model and implement family-style eating during mealtimes.
• Regularly sanitize all surfaces, classroom toys, equipment, and laundry.
• Assist with classroom management and organization.
• Assist with completion of classroom inventory quarterly.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements:

• Must have CDA credential or Gateways to Opportunity Level 2 credential or Associate’s Degree with minimum of 2 classes in early childhood development.
• Experience working with children 3 to 5 years old.
• Demonstrated understanding of child growth and development.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with children, parents, and families.
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities.
• Ability to keep detailed and accurate records as needed.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and Saturdays.
• Occasional travel in the Chicagoland area may be required for training.

Child Abuse Prevention:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Preferred:

Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education.