Assistant Teacher

Reports to: Child Care Director

Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Pay Range: $15.50-$16.50/hour

Position Summary: The Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Program assists the lead teacher in the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. (ages 2, 3 or 4). The Assistant Teacher works as a floater with the teaching team to plan, implement, as well as supervise the activities in a curriculum that is in accordance with the developmentally appropriate practices as defined by the state standards, DCFS regulations and the B.R. Ryall YMCA operational policies. This position requires active participation with the other members of the teaching team, and parents to assess and address the needs of individual children and ensure that the child’s and family’s needs are supported.

Essential Functions:

1. Provides day-to-day supervision to a classroom of children ages 2-5. 
2. Assists in the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate and creative curriculum.
3. Assists in the development of classroom centers that respond to children’s interests and are coordinated with the ongoing curriculum. 
4. Assists in the development and management of whole and small group activities that include, but are not limited to, literacy, math, music, games, art, science and gym.
5.  Maintains accurate program documentation (incident/discipline/attendance/sign-in and out).
6. Ensures the daily care of every child by following licensing guidelines and implementing organizational policies.
7. Communicates directly with parents and prospective parents to achieve success for the child.
8. Maintains a fun and interactive classroom that is clean and organized.
9. Attends necessary training and conferences (First Aid, CPR, etc.)
10. Must be able to work variable hours 30 to 40 Hours per week

Qualifications:

1.  Must be at least 17 years old.
2. Must be a senior in high school or have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
3. 1+ years of professional experience working in child care or school setting preferred
4. Must have good interpersonal and communication skills. 
5. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with parents, children and other staff.
6. Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
7. Applicants must have, or obtain, First Aid/CPR certification within the first 60 days of employment.

Physical Demands:

1. Must be in reasonably good physical condition and be able to work extended periods of time on his/her feet.
2. Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position including walking, standing, bending, kneeling and lifting.
3. The physical ability to supervise, instruct and lead groups of children
4. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
5. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.