Teacher Assistant - Early Learning Center

GOEBEL FIXTURE COMPANY; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Central Virginia in Lynchburg, VA is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support the Lead Teacher in a preschool classroom, delivering developmentally appropriate learning experiences and maintaining a safe environment for children in care.

The role emphasizes adherence to VA licensing standards and YMCA program requirements, plus engagement with families and ongoing staff training. This is a full-time, on-site position aligning with the YMCA's mission to strengthen communities.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate.
• Prefer early childhood credentials or working toward credentials. (CDA/Early Childhood Cert)
• Must have at least 6 months' experience working with children in a classroom setting.
• Within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, First Aid, & AED.
• Fulfillment of state-specific & DSS Licensing hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Responsibilities

• Provide support in the classroom, including working with the Lead Teacher to deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Knowledge of early childhood care and ability to teach mixed age groups (3-4 yr olds).
• Demonstrating effective and appropriate behavior management skills.
• Assuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas; ensures VA State Licensing Standards & YMCA program standards are met.
• Ability to assume lead teacher duties in case of occasional absence and maintain flexibility.
• Must be punctual and attend work regularly as scheduled.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, and community organizations.
• Participates in all required staff trainings and keeps all required state licensing trainings and certifications current.

Education

CDA / Early Childhood Credential

Job description

• Location 1309 Church Street,Lynchburg, VA, 24504,United States
• Employee Type Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Early Learning Center Director, the Teacher Assistant, works alongside the Lead Teacher in the preschool classroom to assist in carrying out daily curriculum plans and supplemental activities to provide a developmentally appropriate and safe environment for the children in their care, ensuring the program meets its intended goals as well as the Association's goals. This position is responsible for ensuring children's social, physical, spiritual, and mental development in our YMCA preschool. Responsible for assisting with classroom oversight, curriculum delivery and support for daily activities of a preschool-age childcare program, in accordance with the policies, procedures and standards established by the YMCA of Central Virginia and the VA. Dept. of Education childcare licensing division. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturingwe support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Teacher Assistant will be responsible for:

• Providing support in the classroom, including working with the Lead Teacher to deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Daily lesson plans are provided for assistants to follow. Instruction should be intentional and support the development of achievement, relationships, and belonging.
• Knowledge of early childhood care and ability to teach mixed age groups (3-4 yr olds)
• Demonstrating effective and appropriate behavior management skills.
• Assuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate; ensures that VA State Licensing Standards & YMCA program standards are met, and safety procedures followed.
• Ability to assume lead teacher duties in case of occasional absence and maintain flexibility.
• Must be punctual and attend work regularly as scheduled.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, and community organizations (e.g., state childcare licensing agency, school administration) to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes; maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
• Participates in all required staff trainings and keeps all required state licensing trainings and certifications current.

PROGRAM DELIVERY:

• Responsible for supporting a creative and stimulating environment that is age-appropriate for Pre-school children.
• Participate in scheduled special events for families of participants.
• Provide for health and safety of children. Follow all required emergency procedures.
• Follow discipline procedures in line with the YMCA code of conduct and implement as needed.

COMMUNICATION:

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their children.
• Meet regularly with supervisor(s), providing updates on program.
• Communicates in a professional manner at all times.

OTHER:

• Staff are expected to take advantage of opportunities for self-development and growth.
• Responsible for care and maintenance of site including overseeing daily clean-up of activities and site as well as scheduled site maintenance.
• If required, obtain MAT (Medication Administration Training) certification and dispense meds to students following state guidelines.
• Attend parent or parent/child events related to the program.
• Acts as a role model, representing the YMCA.
• Supervise and be actively involved with children assigned to your activity area. You are responsible for the health and safety of children at all times and know all emergency protocol.
• Follow entirely regular plans for activities. Both small and large group activities (i.e., circle time/learning time/games & crafts/supervision protocol).
• Attend and participate fully in quarterly YMCA staff meetings. YMCA Staff meetings are required and conducted quarterly for all full-time staff.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect. Follow discipline procedures as outlined by The Y Code of Conduct.
• Engage in behavior conducive to team building with other staff. Open communication, encouragement, support, and tolerance for each other are all essential in our department.
• Act as a professional role model. You are representing the YMCA and our core values daily.
• Other duties as assigned by the ELC Director

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to Y's cause.

Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.

Summary

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Graduate
• Prefer early childhood credentials or working toward credentials. (CDA/Early Childhood Cert)
• Must have at least 6 months' experience working with children in a classroom setting.
• Within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, First Aid, & AED.
• Must complete and pass numerous state required background checks, a TB test, drug test & fingerprinting. (Must be in place prior to working with children)
• Fulfillment of state-specific & DSS Licensing hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

HOURS: FLEXIBLE - AS NEEDED

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The YMCA of Central Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Substance Free Workplace