UPK Teaching Assistant — Shape Young Minds (YMCA Perk)

YMCA of Central New York; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA Membership

Job summary

YMCA of Central New York is seeking an UPK Teaching Assistant to support the Lead Teacher in delivering a safe, developmentally high-quality early education experience for 2–5 year olds at the Southwest YMCA in Syracuse, NY.

You will help with planning and leading daily preschool activities, maintain a positive, inclusive environment, and uphold all safety and child-abuse prevention policies. This part-time role requires 18+ with a focus on nurturing growth and community impact.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent or one year experience working with children under 13.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential.
• Must demonstrate excellent teaching and decision-making skills.
• Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities and expectations of children ages 2 to 5 years of age.
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to children’s needs.
• Be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment.
• NYS Office of Children and Family Services Requirements: fingerprinting and background checks, SCR/SCL clearance.

Responsibilities

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization; supporting members connect with each other and the YMCA.
• Maintains physical presence, always remains alert while on duty.
• Assist in the planning, organizing, and leading of all daily preschool program activities including academic, physical, and social opportunities.
• Provide a safe, healthy, moral, and fun environment for all children, supervising children at all times.
• Enforce all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, procedures, and staff expectations, including prevention of child abuse.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings; contribute to overall YMCA success.
• Promote inclusion and diversity; support a welcoming program for all participants.
• Maintain readiness to fulfill duties and respond to emergencies following YMCA procedures.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teaching

Decision making

Age-appropriate activities

Cultural awareness

Maturity and responsibility

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Experience with children under 13

Job description

YMCA of Central New York is seeking an UPK Teaching Assistant to support the Lead Teacher in delivering a safe, developmentally high-quality early education experience for 2–5 year olds at the Southwest YMCA in Syracuse, NY.

You will help with planning and leading daily preschool activities, maintain a positive, inclusive environment, and uphold all safety and child-abuse prevention policies. This part-time role requires 18+ with a focus on nurturing growth and community impact.