Child Development Center Assistant Teacher - Part Time

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Child Development Site Director and in accordance with the mission and purpose of the Ann Arbor YMCA, the Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. They must be able to communicate, listen, and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program an in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Assistant Teacher observes and documents children’s interests and progress, and relays that information back to the parents and staff. Assistant Teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Lead Teacher and the Director. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in the implementation of a developmentally appropriate early childhood education experience including art, music, movement, math, science and language with an emphasis on implementing the YMCA curriculum, Creative Curriculum NAEYC standards and Great Start to Quality Standards in the classrooms. 
2. Actively engage in activities; help establish and maintain daily classroom routines, as assigned by the Lead Teacher. Daily classroom routines include food preparation and clean up, following classroom schedules, naptime assistance, and cleaning toys.
3. Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to the child development center. Greet each child and adult warmly and in a friendly manner each day upon arrival. 
4. Assists the Lead Teacher in planning and organizing activities and lessons, which would include centers, small and large group activities, and large motor movement activities.
5. Assist in supervising all activities to ensure safety of each child at all times, complete incident or illness reports and communicate information to Director immediately. 
6. Communicate, maintain and model independent behaviors and offers guidance to promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children.
7. Encourage and model healthy eating habits and physical play for children, self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling. 
8. Interacts with children, using the Love and Logic behavior management model by Jim Fay.
9. Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports, through face-to-face interactions and phone calls if needed.
10. Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.
11. Follow all center policies and state regulations. 
12. Possess working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and proper reporting procedures.
13. Maintain a personal profession development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement. 

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Exemplify a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2. Attend scheduled staff meetings.
3. Reads all YMCA communications.                  
4. Any other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. 
• A minimum of one (1) years’ experience working with children and families.
• Previous experience in a NAEYC Accredited program preferred.
• Must be able to learn and use YMCA specific software within 14 days of hire.
• CPR and First Aid Certification strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility and an ability to work in a team setting are required.
• Must have physical examination, including satisfactory TB test, six months prior to beginning work or 30 days after. 
• A patient, high energy and goal-oriented attitude is essential.
• Ability to be responsive to the needs, wants and interests of both the parents and youth enrolled in the Child Care programs. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
2. Must be able to assist an average size child up to 50 pounds.
3. Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
4. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
5. Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
6. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
7. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
8. Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.

POSITION FACTS:

Has a flexible schedule between the working hours of 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 

Must be available to work a minimum or 15-20 hours per week.