Child Development Center Assistant Teacher - Part Time

Ann Arbor YMCA•Ann Arbor, MI

9d•$16 - $17

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher and Child Development Site Director in creating a caring, safe environment and providing quality education for children at the Ann Arbor YMCA. Under their direction, the Assistant Teacher implements developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs, helps maintain classroom routines, and supports children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The role also includes observing and documenting children’s interests and progress and sharing information with parents and staff. The position has a flexible schedule between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and requires a minimum of 15–20 hours per week. The Assistant Teacher must be able to meet the listed physical requirements, including assisting children and lifting or carrying supplies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience working with children and families.
Ability to learn and use YMCA-specific software within 14 days of hire.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work in a team setting.
Patient, high-energy, goal-oriented attitude.
Ability to respond to the needs, wants, and interests of parents and youth enrolled in Child Care programs.
Physical examination, including a satisfactory TB test, within six months before starting work or within 30 days after starting.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit—including on the floor—for long periods.
Ability to assist an average-size child weighing up to 50 pounds and lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to remain alert while standing or sitting for several hours, and to bend, lean, kneel, and walk as needed.
Ability to speak concisely and communicate effectively.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
Ability to view or enter data for long periods.
Availability for a flexible schedule between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a minimum of 15–20 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a NAEYC-accredited program.
CPR and First Aid certification are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with developmentally appropriate early childhood education activities, including art, music, movement, math, science, and language, using YMCA curriculum and applicable NAEYC and Great Start to Quality standards.
Help establish and maintain daily classroom routines, including food preparation and cleanup, following schedules, assisting at naptime, and cleaning toys.
Support smooth transitions from home to the child development center and warmly greet children and adults upon arrival.
Assist the Lead Teacher with planning and organizing lessons and activities, including centers and small- and large-group activities.
Supervise activities to ensure children’s safety, complete incident or illness reports, and promptly communicate information to the Director.
Model and encourage independent behaviors and guide children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Model healthy eating, physical play, self-help skills, and good hygiene.
Interact with children using the Love and Logic behavior management model by Jim Fay.
Communicate frequently with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, in-person interactions, and phone calls as needed.
Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect.
Follow center policies and state regulations, and maintain working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and reporting procedures.
Maintain a personal professional development plan for continuous quality improvement.
Exemplify commitment to diversity and inclusion, attend scheduled staff meetings, and read YMCA communications.
Perform other duties as needed.