Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

YMCA of Rock River Valley • Rockford, IL

9h • $17 • Onsite

About The Position

YOUR IMPACT This role is crucial to the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher supports the creation and execution of quality early childhood activities at the YMCA. This position involves helping each child's physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth. Along with the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher ensures a positive experience for children and parents, emphasizing achievement and belonging. The role includes providing age-appropriate guidance and effectively implementing the daily curriculum. Regardless of your main classroom assignment, you'll assist with all age groups in the program.

Requirements

• DCFS Qualifications:
• Minimum age: 18 years
• High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
• Experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred
• Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate activities independently
• Skilled in positive guidance and discipline, demonstrating emotional maturity, patience, and flexibility
• Strong listening skills and responsiveness to childrens needs
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings
• Upon Hire: Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test
• Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary)
• Provide a minimum of 3 written references
• Register with Gateways to Opportunity
• Ability to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar year
• Complete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFS

Responsibilities

• Assists in daily program activities supporting a structured learning environment.
• Ensures high quality, developmentally appropriate practices and establishes new interactive learning opportunities.
• Assists in the creation of lesson plans that support age-appropriate growth and development.
• Works hands-on inside the program equipping and leading the children.
• Helps lead and develop new hires.
• Develops and maintains relationships with enrolled students.
• Creates an attentive, nurturing environment for participants in which they can thrive.
• May assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Helps operate program within predetermined budget.
• Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas.
• Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
• Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities, supplies and equipment and ensures the physical environment is supportive for youth development.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with parents.
• Responds to all parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner as needed.
• Helps to maintain proper records such as incident reports, developmental screenings, and childrens files.
• Assists with developmental screening and milestone assessments, e.g., Ages and Stages questionnaires and Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Helps organize and deliver special events for parents and children.
• Responsible for all cleaning and sanitizing of the classrooms and equipment.
• Maintains tidiness of all activity spaces and classrooms.
• Provides an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
• Provides active and constant supervision at all times including free play, structured learning and nap time.
• Provides support to all classrooms and age-groups as needed.
• Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
• Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
• Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

Benefits

• ALL STAFF BENEFITS: Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers Employee Crisis Fund Employee Assistance Program Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers Tickets At Work Discount Program 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
• FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free Family Membership 3 Paid Floating Holidays 10.5 Paid Holidays Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type Short-Term Disability Program Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications
• PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free individual Membership Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees