Assistant Teacher

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:  Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026 - 10 month position with summers off

The Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher functions as an integral part of the teaching team assisting with the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate daily program of activities promoting each child’s affective, cognitive, physical, perceptual-motor, communicative and social competence. Work is performed under the close supervision of the Lead Teacher and involves sharing the responsibilities pertinent to ensuring the safe and healthful care and management of enrolled children. Involvement includes maintaining contact and open communication with parents, program staff and community resources.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possession of an active Child Development Associate (CDA) or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two (2) years work experience related to the care and development of children.
2. Ability to obtain: Compliance with Act 33, to include documentation of Child Abuse History (Form CY-113), Criminal History (Form SP4-164), FBI fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry Verification (NSOR-V), and Mandated Reporter training.
3. Biannual physical examination and initial TB (Mantoux) Test and freedom from any infectious or communicable disease.
4. Ability to work with and relate well to young children and coworkers.
5. Ability to supervise adults when necessary.
6. Successfully complete the New Staff Orientation.
7. At least 18 years of age.
8. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire date.
9. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
10. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher does not directly supervise other staff. However, all department staff are responsible for each other’s safety and well-being.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assists in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful learning environment:

1. Assists in maintaining an efficient, well-arranged classroom including interest areas that provide direction and a sense of organization.
2. Keeps equipment and materials in good repair and stored in a safe, orderly fashion.
3. Cleans and sanitizes toys and cots weekly and other times as needed.
4. Assists in providing materials and activities appropriate for the children’s developmental progress and individual learning styles.
5. Assists in planning for a multi-sensory classroom environment (visual, auditory, tactile, etc)
6. Assists in supporting children’s social-emotional development and providing positive guidance.
7. Assists in providing children with opportunities for success through individual, small group and large group activities, including free play.
8. Involves children in all phases of self-help training (dressing, toileting, handwashing, eating, etc).
9. Utilizes appropriate group management techniques.
10. Eats with children modeling proper table manners and sharing the same menu .
11. Encourages daily health routines with children including tooth brushing and hand washing.
12. Provides adequate supervision ensuring the safety of active children.
13. Maintains emergency information and initiates emergency action when necessary.
14. Assists in curriculum planning that includes multi-cultural and multi-ethnic materials, displays, and activities.
15. Assists in providing educational opportunities through individualized hands-on food experiences that integrate curriculum areas into nutrition (reading readiness, science, math, language, etc).
16. Provides guidance in nutritional experiences including family style meals (self-service, passing, pouring, table setting, table cleaning, etc).

Assists in establishing positive and productive communication with families:

   17. Assists in maintaining contact with parents through verbal and written communication, posted information, etc. 

   18. Speaks with families in a friendly, courteous, and respectful manner.

Carries out supplementary and planning responsibilities:

   19. Provides input into daily curriculum. 

   20. Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (children's files, time sheets attendance, meal participation forms, inventories, etc.).

   21. Helps with maintaining cleanliness of classroom (washes tables before and after snack, sweeps floor, cleans up any spills promptly, etc.)

   22. Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings.

   23. Prepares classroom materials, bulletin boards, learning centers, etc.

   24. Assumes responsibility of classroom in supervisor’s absence.

   25. Reports immediately any child suspected of being abused to the Director.

   26. Follows appropriate dress code set forth by the agency.

   27. Completes required number of training hours annually.

   28. Adheres to policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Policy and Procedure Manual. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. 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. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for children and families.

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.

Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. Communicates effectively with different audiences at all levels in the organization, easily adapting his/her approach and the focus of his/her message to the audience.

Requirements

1. Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
2. Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
3. Ability to stand for long periods of time.
4. Ability to get down on the floor and interact with the children on their level.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (PDE) REQUIREMENTS:

1. Undergo continuous professional development as outlined by PDE, up to 24 hours per school year. 
2. Availability for full time, school year appointment (180 school days + Professional Development days). 
3. Maintenance of all Department of Human Services (DHS), Keystone STARS, and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements. 

DECLARATIONS:

1. This job description is not all-inclusive and the Assistant Child Care Teacher will also perform other reasonably related duties assigned by immediate supervisor and other management personnel.
2. The Association reserves the right to review or change the job responsibilities of this position to meet the needs of the Association as those needs continue to change.
3. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1. I acknowledge I have read and understand the job description for Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher.
2. I understand that it is my responsibility to comply with this job description.
3. I understand that I should consult my supervisor regarding any questions I may have in reference to this job description.
4. I understand that this job description may be revised at any time without prior notice. All changes will be communicated to me and a new job description will be available for my review and signature.
5. A copy of this signed acknowledgement will be included in my personnel file.