Preschool Teachers Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director/ Ed Coordinator and the Lead Teacher, the main responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant are to assist in planning, preparing and implementing the classroom curriculum using the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in establishing a warm and professional rapport with all children and families in the classroom
2. Assist in maintaining health and safety standards in the classroom
3. Maintain accurate attendance records
4. Ensure cleanliness of the classroom including counter tops, sinks and tables
5. Greet families and children as they enter or exit the classroom and or building
6. Support social and emotional development and positive guidance in the classroom
7. Ensure appropriate active supervision of children at all times of day (especially in the bathroom and on the playground)
8. Be familiar with DHS licensing regulations, and Family Handbook
9. Participate in Family Engagement Activities run by the center
10. Develop a yearly Professional Development Plan that is aligned to the RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, which will include 20 hour of training in a related field.
11. Participate in all staff trainings and parent/staff meetings and other mandatory or required meetings during the year.
12. Complete the duties or provide coverage as assigned by the Ed Coordinator/Director of the program

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Three months experience working in a classroom environment
2. Must be at least 16 years of age
3. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire
4. Meet all DCYF and YMCA Employment qualifications

5. Ability to understand and comply with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention policies.

6. Completion of criminal background check and screening in accordance with YMCA standards.

7. Completion of required Child Abuse Prevention training prior to and throughout employment.

8. Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

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