Preschool Assistant Teacher (YMCA West San Gabriel Valley)

This position supports the work of a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Teacher (2-5 yr. olds) creates positive, nurturing relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Under the Teacher, the assistant teacher provides direction for the children in the classroom and assists to implement program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Relationships, Communication, Developing Others, Inclusion, Quality Results, Project

Management, Functional Expertise

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the teacher to nurture children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program.
• Licensed Toddler, Preschool Programs

Toddler

1 Teacher to 6 toddlers

1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 12 toddlers

Preschool

1 Teacher to 12 children

1 Partially Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 15 children

1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 18 children

Licensed School Age Programs

1:14 on site

1:12 field trips

1:6 water activities

• No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.
• Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
• Actively supports the is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
• As directed by the teacher, implement program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with the values, Desired Results findings, and established guidelines. Create and maintain a learning environment that is safe, clean and healthy according to the Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS or SACERS).
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and expectations.
• As directed by the teacher, makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child following the assessment tools provided in the curriculum. Communicates with the teacher regarding child’s development.
• Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
• Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintains positive relationship with parents, other team members and community partners. Models' relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AGE: Eighteen years or older

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent

ECE/CD UNITS: Current Child Development Assistant Permit. Renew every 5 years with

105 hours of professional growth.

RELATED EXPERIENCE: Under the direction of the teacher, help to plan, organize and

implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. Previous

experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic

relationships with people from different backgrounds.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty,

caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved EMSA or American Red Cross First

Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (8 hours). Completion of child abuse

prevention training prior to first day in program. Basic Water Safety certification for school-

age programs. A course in Preventative Health Practices (PHP).

IMMUNIZATION & PHYSICAL: Current TB, influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis,

and measles vaccination and physical exam.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Job does include water-related activities.
• Ability to lift 30-35 lbs.