Pre-K Assistant Teacher

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•$21•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher, in collaboration with the Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher, provides support in effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children aged 3-5 years old. The role involves providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervising children in the classroom, and fostering a supportive and positive classroom climate while ensuring individual children's needs are met according to Head Start, NAEYC, and federal, state, and local standards.

Requirements

Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.
Bachelor's degree - Early Education and Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential or AA Degree with Gateways Level 4 Credential.
Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment.
Passion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and serving the needs of children and families.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to assist in the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices to promote early learning and social-emotional development.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators, and the community.
Support high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readiness.
Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of all children and ensure their health and physical safety at all times.
Aid in the guidance and support of all children, including dual language learners and those with special needs.
Support and assist Teachers in the implementation of English Language Learner programs to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
Utilize available resources to adapt and apply different instructional methods to support children’s varying needs.
Assume the lead in selected activities throughout periods of the day.
Model and promote appropriate grammar, language, positive interactions, and discipline for children and parents.
Establish and maintain a cooperative attitude of working together with adults assigned to the classroom in planning and implementing activities.
Assist with preparations for Parent Meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent/Child Activities, and other classrooms/center events.
Aid in completion of all necessary paperwork for classroom activities.
Annually complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development through participation in offered training, workshops, in-service days, all-staff conferences, and maintain a log of professional development requirements, including documents supporting completion.
Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, and the Creative Curriculum for Preschool.
Observe and respect issues of confidentiality.
Collaborate with classroom team members to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement.
Gather, arrange, and display children’s work in a manner appropriate for their eye level.
Assist classroom team to maintain an attractive, clean, safe, and engaging classroom environment that includes positive guidance techniques and encourages children's independence and self-selection of activities.
Model and implement family-style eating during mealtimes.
Regularly sanitize all surfaces, classroom toys, equipment, and laundry.
Assist with classroom management, arrangement, organization, and labeling materials.
Assume joint responsibility with the classroom team to maintain a safe, clean environment, and practice good personal hygiene and frequent hand washing.
Assist with completion of classroom inventory quarterly and the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction and children’s learning.
Timely and accurately administer required screenings.
Observe, document, and assess children’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development.
Follow the established system for collecting and managing daily observations of children, including weekly entries online.
Take pictures and maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for each child.
Maintain documentation of each child’s progress and growth according to Head Start guidelines and the methods of Teaching Strategies GOLD.
Input classroom data into appropriate information systems, as required (TSG, Home Visits, and Parent/Teacher Conferences).
Adhere to timelines and complete child assessment information at least four times annually.
Complete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities, including attendance and meal count sheets.
Assume joint responsibility with the classroom team to maintain and ensure accurate and up-to-date education folders and portfolios for each child.
Observe and respect issues of confidentiality.
Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor, following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children, reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor, and completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

Benefits

Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
Wellness programs.
Mental health resources.
Family gym membership.
Generous PTO and paid holidays.
Flexible work hours for work-life balance.
403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discounts on programs.
Employee assistance programs.
Company-sponsored events.