YMCA Silver Spring Early Learning - Assistant Teacher

YMCA Metro Washington • Silver Spring, MD

2d

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the development and delivery of learning experiences and activities for children in a YMCA early learning program. Working with the Teacher, the role implements lesson plans that meet children’s needs, interests, and capabilities, and promotes their positive growth and development. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for children’s safety, including understanding and implementing emergency procedures, and helps maintain a clean, attractive, and well-organized classroom and snack area.

The position involves interacting with children throughout the day, supporting transitions and schedule changes, observing behavior and discussing unusual behaviors with the Teacher, and communicating with parents through the Teacher. The Assistant Teacher participates in parent-child events, staff meetings, in-service training, special events, field trips, and special programs. The role also requires familiarity with applicable state regulations, inspection procedures, and staff policies, and support for YMCA and branch program goals. Other duties may be assigned as needed for program operations.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Documentation of a physical examination and TB skin test required.
• Must meet local jurisdiction requirements for criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting.
• Must meet county and state licensing requirements.
• At least one year of teaching experience in a licensed center.
• Ability to relate to parents, school staff, and children, with a positive and creative attitude.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and parents.
• Able to stand or sit for prolonged periods.
• Able to be physically active while playing games and sports with children.
• Able to lift at least 35 pounds.
• Visual acuity sufficient to observe all children.

Responsibilities

• Assist Teachers in developing and preparing plans for children’s learning experiences and activities.
• Implement the program in accordance with the Teacher’s lesson plan and children’s needs, interests, and capabilities.
• Ensure children’s safety at all times and understand and implement emergency procedures as necessary.
• Attend parent-child events as required.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service training to meet continuing education requirements.
• Help maintain a clean and attractive classroom, including shelves, closets, drawers, and the snack/kitchen area.
• Monitor children’s activities and encourage them to clean up after themselves.
• Communicate with parents through the Teacher.
• Assist children during transitions and changes in the daily schedule.
• Interact with children during snack time, group activities, outdoor time, and other parts of the day.
• Observe children’s behavior and discuss unusual behaviors with the Teacher.
• Move between groups of children when requested.
• Participate in special events, field trips, and special programs.
• Become familiar with state regulations, inspection procedures, and staff handbook policies and procedures.
• Support YMCA and branch program goals and administer quality child care programs that reflect positively on the YMCA.
• Promote children’s positive growth and nurturing by meeting individual developmental needs.
• Assist staff with other duties required for program operations.

Benefits

• Employer-funded retirement plan, with vesting after two years of service or 1,000 compensated hours in each of those years.
• 403(b) savings plan.
• High-quality, affordable healthcare.
• Free YMCA membership for the employee, spouse, and dependents.
• Paid time off and sick leave.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee benefits and discounts from banks, credit unions, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Dell, Veterinary Pet Insurance, supplemental insurance providers, Vision Care, LegalShield, and Zipcar.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED