Preschool Teacher Assistant

YMCA; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA is seeking a Preschool Teacher Assistant to join our Virginia Peninsulas location. You will support a safe, caring learning environment for preschool participants, work with staff to welcome and engage members, and assist in delivering daily activities in line with licensing standards.

You will help supervise children, plan activities, and participate in group events such as swimming and crafts, while upholding the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 16 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year experience in a related field in a supervised setting.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required within 30 days.
• Proof of a negative TB test within the last 2 years.
• MAT Certification preferred.
• Complete trainings including NEO, Bloodborne Pathogens, CAP, Sexual Harassment on hire and annually.
• Background checks required by state and CPS.

Responsibilities

• Support YMCA mission and goals within preschool program.
• Promote professional environment through core values.
• Lead to strengthen community via youth development and healthy living.
• Assist teacher with supervision, behavior management and safety.
• Supervise children within sight and sound during shift and track numbers.
• Assist with planning and preparing daily activities for preschoolers.
• Prepare materials and assist in cleanup after activities.
• Participate in group activities including swimming, team-building, arts and crafts.
• Follow Virginia licensing standards and department policies.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Communicate with parents about children's needs and daily activities.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication with parents

Planning activities

Behavior management

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

General Function:

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas and the Virginia Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing Standards, the preschool teacher assistant shall be responsible for providing a safe, caring, learning environment for the preschool participants. With an emphasis on ensuring the highest quality service to members and guests, the Preschool Teacher Assistant will work with all staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage all members, guests, and staff.

Qualifications:

1. 1.Minimum of 16 years of age.
2. 2.High School diploma or equivalent required.
3. 3.Minimum of one year experience in a related field in a supervised setting.
4. 4.Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required within 30 days.
5. 5.Proof of a negative TB test within the last 2 years.
6. 6.Medication Administration Training (MAT) Certification preferred.
7. 7.Complete and maintain required trainings to include but not limited to: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment upon hire and annually thereafter.
8. 8.Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.

Essential Functions:

1. 1.Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.
2. 2.Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
3. 3.Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
4. 4.Assist the teacher with supervision, behavior management and safety of assigned preschool children.
5. 5.Supervise the children within sight and sound during an assigned shift. Know the whereabouts of the children, and maintain knowledge of the number of children in the assigned group at all times.
6. 6.Assist with planning and preparing for daily programs and activities for preschool participants.
7. 7.Assist in the preparation and clean up of needed supplies and materials for daily activities.
8. 8.Actively participate in group organized games and activities, including but not limited to, swimming, team-building activities, and arts and crafts.
9. 9.Follow Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers and department Association standards.
10. 10.Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
11. 11.Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
12. 12.With the assistance of the teacher, communicate with parents regarding children’s needs and report daily activities.
13. 13.Wear staff uniform and name tag, or professional attire when appropriate.
14. 14.Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual Support and United Way Campaigns.
15. 15.Act as a leader in emergency situations. Report any accidents or incidents according to Emergency Communication Action Plan.
16. 16.Ensure all members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow branch Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
17. 17.Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Preschool Department and branch operations to ensure and excellent member experience.

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Functional Expertise

Skills and Ability Requirements:

1. 1.Ability to observe children’s behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
2. 2.Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to preschool childcare participants.
3. 3.Ability to plan, lead and participate in appropriate childcare activities.
4. 4.Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
5. 5.Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and those situations requiring first aid.
6. 6.Physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of children.
7. 7.Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Effect on End Result:

1. 1.The membership growth and retention plan for the branch is achieved.
2. 2.A high degree of member satisfaction is achieved as measured by Net Promoters.
3. 3.A positive image of the YMCA is portrayed to members, staff, volunteers and the community.
4. 4.A pleasant and comfortable working environment is maintained for all staff.
5. 5.Relationships are strengthened through intentional interactions.
6. 6.The facility will be safe, clean and an enjoyable place as measured by Q Checks and Risk Management Audits.
7. 7.Superior quality standards are met as evidenced by department’s Association Audit Score and maintaining licensure.