Assistant Teacher

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION KANKAKEE•Kankakee, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher helps implement high quality YMCA early childhood program(s). This position shall be able to demonstrate skill and competence necessary to contribute to each child’s physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development. Under direction of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher provides a quality experience to children and parents that focus on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. Provides age- appropriate direction for the children in the classroom and implements pre-determined program curriculum. Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Requirements

HS Diploma required
At least 18 years of age
CPR, First Aid & AED Certifications required upon hire
Register with Gateways to Opportunity.
Medical Release form filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test.
Must submit to a DCFS background check and be fingerprinted if necessary.
Minimum of 3 written references.
Participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar year.
Complete Mandated Reporter training, as well as Sudden Infant Death syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome and Food Handler within the first 30 days of employment.
Emotional maturity when working with children
Respect for children and adults
Flexibility, understanding and patience with children and parents
Physical and mental health that do not interfere with child care responsibilities
Good personal hygiene
Comfortable with frequent interaction with children.
Ability to provide constant supervision during free play, structured learning and nap time
Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children
Use and understanding of positive discipline and guidance techniques
Ability to provide and environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities
Ability to maintain a high level of health and safety standards for children and classrooms
Ability to implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities independently with or without the need of direct supervision
Sensitivity to children’s socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and individual needs and capabilities

Nice To Haves

2 or 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education or related field a plus
Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred

Responsibilities

Assists with day-to-day implementation of the program for assigned location(s) (i.e. Little Learners, Little Campers).
Ensures high quality, developmental programs and establishes new interactive program activities.
Works hands-on inside the program equipping and leading the children.
Helps lead and develop program volunteers.
Helps retain enrolled students.
Creates an attentive, nurturing environment for participants in which they can thrive.
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 maintain proper program records.
Helps organize and deliver special events for parents and children.
Provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities
Performs light housekeeping duties
Other duties as assigned