Classroom Assistant

About the Role

The 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 that promote 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 responsibilities to ensure the safe and healthful care and management of enrolled children. This role includes maintaining contact and open communication with parents, program staff, and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Assists in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful learning environment:
  • Maintains an efficient, well-arranged classroom with interest areas that provide direction and organization.
  • Keeps equipment and materials in good repair and stored safely.
  • Cleans and sanitizes toys and cots weekly or as needed.
  • Provides materials and activities appropriate for children’s developmental progress and learning styles.
  • Assists in planning a multi-sensory classroom environment (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.).
  • Supports children’s social-emotional development and provides positive guidance.
  • Provides opportunities for success through individual, small group, and large group activities, including free play.
  • Involves children in self-help training (dressing, toileting, handwashing, eating, etc.).
  • Utilizes appropriate group management techniques.
  • Eats with children, modeling proper table manners and sharing the same menu.
  • Encourages daily health routines, including tooth brushing and handwashing.
  • Provides adequate supervision to ensure children’s safety.
  • Maintains emergency information and initiates emergency action when necessary.
• Assists in curriculum planning with multi-cultural and multi-ethnic materials, displays, and activities.
• Provides educational opportunities through hands-on food experiences integrating curriculum areas (e.g., reading readiness, science, math, language).
• Guides nutritional experiences, including family-style meals (self-service, passing, pouring, table setting, cleaning).
• Assists in establishing positive and productive communication with families:
  • Maintains contact with parents through verbal and written communication.
  • Speaks with families in a friendly, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Carries out supplementary and planning responsibilities:
  • Provides input into daily curriculum.
  • Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (children’s files, time sheets, attendance, meal participation forms, inventories).
  • Assists with classroom cleanliness (washing tables, sweeping floors, cleaning spills).
  • Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings.
  • Prepares classroom materials, bulletin boards, and learning centers.
  • Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the supervisor’s absence.
  • Reports suspected child abuse immediately to the Director.
  • Follows the agency’s dress code.
  • Completes required annual training hours.
  • Adheres to policies and procedures in the Employee Handbook and Policy and Procedure Manual.

YMCA Competencies

• 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; seeks to understand others’ perspectives; listens actively; communicates effectively.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments; transfers learning to new situations; embraces new approaches; establishes and meets goals; delivers a high-value experience for children and families.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development to enhance job performance; demonstrates openness to change; assesses personal strengths and limitations; uses best practices and up-to-date technology.
• Communication: Listens and expresses ideas effectively; adapts communication to different audiences; ensures understanding of audience needs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to interact with children at their level (e.g., sitting on the floor).

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Certificate and two (2) years of work experience related to the care and development of children.
• Compliance with Act 33, including documentation of Child Abuse History (Form CY-113) and Criminal History (Form SP4-164), and FBI fingerprinting.
• Biannual physical examination, initial TB (Mantoux) Test, and freedom from infectious or communicable disease.
• Ability to work with and relate well to young children and coworkers.
• Ability to supervise adults when necessary.
• Successfully complete New Staff Orientation.
• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and Child Abuse mandated reporter training within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with people from different backgrounds.