Head Start Assistant Preschool Teacher

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Gardena, CA

82d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the YMCA’s work to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direction of a fully qualified teacher, the Teacher Aide builds nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers. The role supports young people’s potential, encourages peer connections, helps direct children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. It aims to provide children and families with a quality experience centered on achievement, belonging, and positive relationships. The aide works under qualified-teacher supervision and may not be assigned a group of children or be alone with a group, except when taking children to and from the restroom. The role may sometimes involve serving as a one-to-one aide for a child needing additional attention or guidance. When that child is absent, late, or leaves early, the aide performs regular assigned duties, including site cleanup. The job takes place in indoor and outdoor settings throughout the year and includes water-related activities. The employee must be able to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation, including planning, leading, and participating in activities and lifting 30–35 pounds.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have twelve semester units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development for infant, toddler, or preschool work.
Hold a valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit.
Have current approved EMSA First Aid and Adult, Infant, and Child CPR certifications, totaling eight hours.
Complete child abuse prevention training before the first day in the program.
Have current TB, influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis, and measles vaccinations and a physical exam.
Be able to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities.
Have strong character values, including respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring; strong communication skills; and emotional maturity.
Develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Meet the physical, visual, and auditory requirements of the essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Be working toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Development.
Have six infant/toddler-specific courses.
Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
Have previous experience working with preschool and/or school-age children in a group setting.
Have previous experience with diverse populations.
Hold a Child Development Teacher Permit.

Responsibilities

Nurture children through purposeful programming that fosters achievement, belonging, and positive relationships.
Maintain close visual supervision of assigned children and follow applicable program staffing ratios.
Help children manage behavior through proactive strategies, redirection, and constructive discipline using natural and logical consequences.
Support inclusion and, where appropriate, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Assist with planning and implementing culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities consistent with YMCA values and guidelines.
Follow program safety and cleanliness standards; maintain the site and equipment; and keep required records in accordance with applicable regulations, funding terms, and YMCA expectations.
Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child and communicate with the supervisor about child development.
Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with parents; engage parents as volunteers and connect them with the YMCA.
Set appropriate physical and behavioral limits to provide a fun, safe, positive experience while treating children with respect and dignity.
Model positive conduct and personal habits, and use relationship-building skills in interactions.
Attend and participate in family events, program activities, staff meetings, and training.
Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those concerning medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies; follow reporting procedures and respond proactively to safety concerns.
Comply with current federal, state, and local regulations and YMCA policies and procedures.
Maintain positive relationships with parents, YMCA team members, and community partners.
Work directly with a qualified teacher and never be alone with a group of children, except when taking children to and from the restroom.
When assigned as a one-to-one aide, supervise and guide the assigned child; perform regular duties when that child is not present.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.