Assistant Group Supervisor

About the role

This position is responsible for maintaining high-quality, developmentally appropriate standards as set forth by YWCA policies, Keystone Stars standards, NAEYC Accreditation criteria, and the ERS Assessment scores, and for regular management of DHS regulations. Additional duties may be added as standards for high quality are met or change.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children by sight and sound at all times; perform frequent counts, visual checks, and constant attention to children’s needs.
• Engage children in respectful, meaningful, and interactive conversations and experiences throughout the day.
• Assess and document children's development, interactions with others, and engagement with materials during classroom routines.
• Assess children’s learning needs through documented observations, tailor the program to each child’s needs, and consider each child’s cultural and socioeconomic background.
• Help each child understand their value in the group and encourage independence through self-help activities (e.g., cleaning up areas, using materials appropriately, self-serving food, managing classroom tidiness, caring for pets/plants).
• Provide experiences that build self-esteem, encourage self-reliance, and help children function cooperatively in a group.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter; report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or inappropriate treatment to Child Line immediately.
• Conduct daily health checks to monitor children’s health and safety.
• Maintain current knowledge of child development and appropriate early learning strategies for teaching and assessment.
• Interact with children and manage behavior in a calm, empathetic, and supportive manner, guiding appropriate behavior.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children’s names, medical information, disabilities, family situations, and records.
• Create a culture of acceptance and understanding with children, co-workers, and families; act as an advocate for children and families.
• Promote an anti-bias environment and challenge injustice within programs.
• Manage children with unique needs (e.g., dual-language learners, individualized plans for special needs, allergies, homelessness, incarcerated parents).
• Develop professional relationships with families; value their contributions and infuse their culture into the classroom curriculum.
• Communicate professionally with parents and participate in community and family engagement events.
• Attend all required staff meetings and in-service days.
• Review and adhere to the Guidance Manual and Family Handbook procedures.
• Serve meals and refreshments to children in accordance with CACFP regulations.
• Maintain personal cleanliness, including handwashing after using the toilet, nose wiping, and before preparing/serving food.
• Perform general housekeeping tasks; keep the room and general spaces safe and clean.
• Report maintenance and safety concerns to the Director as needed.
• Maintain a high level of job integrity and professionalism while adhering to the ethical code of conduct.
• Work professionally with community members, co-workers, and other YWCA York departments.
• Complete 24 hours of annual training (e.g., fire safety, emergency safety, food program, water safety).
• Maintain current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is often the minimum requirement, plus 2,500 hours of experience working with children.
• Additional qualifications may include college credit hours in early childhood education or a related field, plus 2,500 hours of experience working with children.
• YWCA York adheres to NAEYC and Pennsylvania Keystone Stars standards, requiring specialized college-level coursework in best practices. Teachers are expected to further their education to become highly qualified professionals.

YWCA York offers educational assistance, as funds are available, for CDA programs, professional workshops, and tuition reimbursement for post-secondary degrees.

Skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism.
• Excellent verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
• Works with integrity and ethically upholds organizational values.
• Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect regardless of status or position.
• Observes safety and security procedures; adapts to changes in the work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 25-50 pounds.
• Frequent standing, sitting, and walking.