Assistant Teacher - Willow Room

Assistant Teacher – Willow Room (3 1/2 – 5 years) – 1‑6pm

Monday through Friday; 1‑6pm. Must be available to work a minimum of 15‑20 hours per week.

Salary: $15.50 per hour.

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher and the Director by creating a caring and safe environment for the Willow Room children (3 1/2 - 5 years) and assisting in activities that improve overall care and quality of education. They communicate, listen, and work well in a team environment. Assistant Teachers help implement a quality educational program, develop positive relationships with children and parents, observe and document interests and progress, and relay that information back to parents and staff.

Assistant Teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Lead Teacher and Director.

• Assist in implementing a developmentally appropriate early childhood education experience, including art, music, movement, math, science, and language, with emphasis on the YMCA curriculum, Creative Curriculum, NAEYC standards, and Great Start Quality Standards.
• Actively engage in activities; help establish and maintain daily classroom routines as assigned by the Lead Teacher. Daily routines include food preparation and cleanup, following classroom schedules, naptime assistance, and cleaning toys.
• Help ensure smooth daily transition from home to the child development center; greet each child and adult warmly each day upon arrival.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and organizing activities and lessons, which include centers, small and large group activities, and large motor movement activities.
• Assist in supervising all activities to ensure safety of each child at all times, complete incident or illness reports, and communicate information to the Director immediately.
• Communicate, maintain, and model independent behaviors and offer guidance to promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children.
• Encourage and model healthy eating habits and physical play for children, self‑help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
• Model positive adult‑to‑child and adult‑to‑adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Possess working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and proper reporting procedures.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of one year’s experience working with children and families.
• Previous experience in a NAEYC Accredited program preferred.
• Must be able to learn and use YMCA specific software within 14 days of hire.
• CPR and First Aid Certification strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, and an ability to work in a team setting are required.
• Must have a physical examination, including satisfactory TB test, within six months prior to beginning work or 30 days after.
• A patient, high‑energy, and goal‑oriented attitude is essential.
• Ability to respond to the needs, wants, and interests of both the parents and youth enrolled in the Child Care programs.

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to assist an average size child up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.

Monday through Friday; 1‑6pm. Must be available to work a minimum of 15‑20 hours per week.

Salary: $15.50 per hour.

• Entry level

• Part‑time

• Education and Training
• Non‑profit Organizations