Preschool Assistant Teacher

Description

Make a Profound Impact on the Lives of Our Young Learners! Our child care center is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Assistant Teacher. If you have a love for working with young children and creating a warm, enriching, and welcoming environment, we want to hear from you!

Your Role as an Assistant Teacher

You will work closely with Lead Teachers and other staff to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive during their earliest developmental stages. Your pivotal responsibilities include: 

• Implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Implement a daily schedule that includes feeding, diapering, napping, playtime, and structured activities.
• Provide constant supervision and ensure the safety and well-being of children in your care.
• Maintain open and positive communication with parents/guardians, including daily updates on activities, feedings, and diaper changes.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members to ensure a smooth operation of the child care program.
• Provide leadership in the absence of the Lead Teacher by taking on additional responsibilities and ensuring the smooth operation of the classroom.

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays Plus Birthday PTO
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Discounts Child Care and YMCA Programs
• Health Savings Plan
• 401(a) and 403(b) Retirement Plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans
• Mental Health Benefits – including free mental health sessions
• Professional Development
• Work-Life Balance

Pay

$16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Hours

7:45a - 4:45p., Monday-Friday

EEO Statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some level of post-secondary education is preferred, particularly in early childhood education.
• Alternatively, you can enroll in the Child Development Associate (CDA) program within 30 days of hire. CDA scholarships are available for qualified applicants!
• Prior experience working young children is preferred.
• Patience, compassion, and a love for working with infants.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to pass background checks and meet state licensing requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and may be required to lift children and light equipment (5-50lb).
2. Must be in constant awareness of the children’s safety, ensuring that activities follow rules and regulations which limit risk to the participants.
3. Required to speak and hear.
4. Required to reach with and use hands and arms.
5. Must be able to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
6. Must dress appropriately for the weather as both indoor and outdoor activities are scheduled.