Child Care Teacher Assistant Part-Time

Armed Services YMCA of The U S A•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Child Care Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of the Child Care Lead Teacher to help provide a learning environment at a newly built child development center. The role supports developmentally appropriate practices, the health and safety of children and staff, and resources and support for families. The assistant supports children's learning and development through observation and assessment, appropriate classroom materials, inclusive practices, daily activities, lesson plans based on the ELM curriculum, creative expression, and positive social and emotional guidance. The role also helps maintain safe, sanitary, and nutritionally appropriate indoor and outdoor environments in accordance with childcare licensing requirements and agency policies. The assistant collaborates with the lead teacher, parents, and guardians; supports family participation and classroom transitions; attends required meetings and professional development; and performs other duties as assigned. The position is part-time and pays $22.74 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must meet current Virginia State licensing education and experience requirements.
Must have knowledge of childcare regulations.
Must participate in continued professional development through formal and informal early childhood education courses.
Must obtain or complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by applicable federal, state, or National Accreditation institutions as used by the CDC.
Must pass Federal and State checks, Child Protective Services checks, and the National Sex Offender Registry check; applicable out-of-state checks are required if the applicant lived outside Virginia in the last five years.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
Must be familiar with accreditation standards.
Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Must provide a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing the degree awarded or conferred when applying.

Nice To Haves

Experience with military families and their children.

Responsibilities

Participate in ongoing child assessments, including observations, portfolio sampling, and developmental checklists.
Support each child's learning and development by providing developmentally appropriate equipment and materials.
Include children with disabilities by following their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Assist with implementing a daily program that balances adult- and child-initiated activities, large and small groups, indoor and outdoor play, and predictable transitions.
Collaborate with the lead teacher to develop and implement lesson plans based on the ELM curriculum.
Provide opportunities for creative self-expression through art, music, movement, and dramatic play.
Support children's social and emotional development, independence, confidence, and positive relationships.
Use positive guidance by setting clear, consistent limits and realistic expectations.
Support each child's home language, culture, and family composition, and encourage respect for others' feelings and rights.
Practice and model sanitation and hygiene procedures, including handwashing and cleaning and disinfecting toys and furniture.
Comply with blood-borne pathogen policies and policies for temporary exclusion, physician notification, and medication administration and storage.
Assist the lead teacher with maintaining accurate emergency contact information.
Maintain supervised indoor and outdoor environments in accordance with childcare licensing regulations and free of environmental and physical hazards.
Comply with the agency's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting policy.
Complete daily attendance records when requested by the lead teacher or when the lead teacher is absent.
Respond to emergencies by implementing emergency preparedness procedures.
Assist with family-style meals, sit with children during designated mealtimes, and schedule meals appropriately.
Serve food on the planned menu unless directed otherwise, and provide purchased replacements for children with physician-documented dietary needs.
Assist the lead teacher with timely requisitions for health, safety, and classroom supplies.
Provide adequate coverage during approved absences, including personal days and scheduled sick leave.
Attend scheduled staff development days, additional training sessions, and staff meetings.
Invite parents to participate in the program and assist with two parent-teacher conferences during the year.
Assist parents with transitions between classrooms or from the center to kindergarten.
Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians, both verbally and non-verbally.
Assist with preparing home learning activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.