Assistant Teacher (PT) - Austin ELC

EARLY LEARNING CENTER  ASSISTANT TEACHER- HERNANDO, MS  

PURPOSE OF POSITION: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the general direction of the Center Director and Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting with supervision of and implementing activities with a group of children in a child development center program. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist classroom teachers and lead teachers in areas including, but not limited to:
• Providing excellent and nurturing care to all children in the classroom.
• Planning and implementation of the age-appropriate classroom activities.
• Maintains accurate rosters of children in care, assisting parents with sign-in and out.
• Ensuring the daily schedule is followed.
• Complete daily parent reports and communication tools. 
• Maintaining stimulating and orderly program spaces.
• Serving meals and snacks to children.
• Complies with all risk management standards to ensure a safe environment, responding to all incidents and following the YMCA incident management process. 
• Practices positive and timely communication to parents regarding their child’s experience.
• Practices positive and uplifting communication to their team.
• Assure compliance with state and local regulations.
• Maintains all training and education hours required by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services child care Licensing.
• Attends and participates in assigned staff meetings and special events to provide a collaborative and cohesive approach to the YMCA’s vision and mission.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by and agreed to by their supervisor to meet the changing needs of the program and/or branch.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders. 

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. 

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine. 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience working with children ages five years and younger.
• Current state approved first-aid certification.*
• Current state approved infant/child (or community if school aged) CPR certification.*
• TB test or signed statement from a medical provider showing negative results for tuberculosis **
• Medical Physical Exam- Required by DHS** 
• Completion of minimum STARS required training
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful. 
• Must meet all other required qualifications set by DHS - child care licensing

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

•  Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping 
•  Some Exposure to the outdoor elements
•  Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms
•  Exposure to some chemical elements
•  Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. 

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