Head Start Teacher Assistant

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. 

At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

 

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, the Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for working cooperatively with the Head Start Teacher in planning and conducting learning experiences and activities and assists in the day-to-day management of an assigned classroom.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

• Organize classroom space into functional areas (interest centers) in collaboration with the teacher.
• Maintain a clean and healthy classroom environment.
• Maintain a safe environment – indoor and outdoor.
• Keep classroom arranged in an orderly manner and materials readily accessible to the children.
• Provide for constant supervision of children during all activities – indoors and outdoors.
• Observe physical conditions of children and makes referrals to teacher when necessary.
• Makes observation and assess children in each developmental area using the designated developmental screening and on-going assessment process.
• Refer children with suspected problems to teacher.
• Provide input into the evaluation of each child’s progress on an on-going basis.
• In collaboration with the teacher, prepare in advance lesson plans, materials and environment that are organized, interactive, appropriate, clean, safe and hands on.
• Follow daily schedule in conducting activities that are appropriate for the individual developmental levels of all children.
• In the absence of the teacher, assume primary responsibility for classroom management.
• Provide a variety of art media and allows for creative expressions.
• Display children’s work at eye level in the classroom, hallway, etc.
• Conduct individual, small, and large group activities.
• Present activities or concepts in sequential order.
• Plan and participate in the provision of a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
• Communicate to the teacher the need for additional supplies.
• Use available community resources and field trips for classroom enrichment.
• Make home visits and conducts parent teacher conferences during the school year.
• Establish classroom rules with teachers that are appropriate for age level of the child.
• Maintain order in the classroom using positive approaches to behavioral management.
• Provide for smooth transition from one activity to another activity.
• Record and total attendance accurately in the roll book daily.
• Submit the accurate attendance and other applicable reports. 
• Submit a copy of the page form the roll book with tabulated attendance for the month prior to the third day of the following month.
• Count, record, and submit accurate meal count reports daily after each meal for the number of children eating to the food service staff.
• Attend and participate in team, site, and agency required meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
• Participate in family style meal service, modeling good nutrition and proper social skills.
• Ensure that site-appropriate health, safety, classroom organization, classroom aesthetic and sanitation guidelines are followed.
• Follow all mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform physical requirements, including, but not limited to, kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry objects or children up to 50 lbs.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); Associate degree in early childhood education, or a combination of education and experience teaching preschool aged children

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

Employment Requirement: 

• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.

• Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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