Preschool Expansion Teacher - Assistant

YWCA PRINCETON•Princeton, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Funding from the State of New Jersey Universal Pre-School expansion and in partnership with the Princeton School District, the Universal Pre-K Assistant Teacher for The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in the delivery of an effective subject matter in accordance with the Creative Curriculum & GOLD Assessments. The role requires a personality with patience, creativity, and the ability to provide stability for program continuity, and flexibility to work between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.

Requirements

Hold or be eligible for a Mercer County substitute certificate (minimum of 60 college credits)
Hold or get (within 90 days of employment) ARC, First Aid, CPR/AED certifications for child, infant, and adult.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required.
Ability to prioritize, be self-directed and work independently.
Ability to collaborate flexibly with a collaborative team of staff members and volunteers.
Ability to work within procedures efficiently and manage several tasks concurrently to meet deadlines.
Must be willing to collaborate with all people without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status or disability and sexual orientation.
Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing in English and Spanish.
Must have personality, patience, creativity, and the ability to provide stability for program continuity.
Must be flexible to work between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
Ability to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. as well as bending, stooping, and sitting on a child-sized chair.
Able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff, and parents.
Ability to anticipate needs, to organize work and supplies, and to respond calmly and effectively to emergency/crisis situations.
Able to work in accordance with the philosophy and policies of the YWCA Princeton.

Responsibilities

Works with individual children or small groups of children, under the direction of the Lead Teacher, to reinforce the learning materials and/or skills introduced by the Lead Teacher.
Distributes and collects documentation, observed data, and other materials for instruction.
Assists with the supervision of students during the school day with instruction, emergency drills, events, field trips, lunch periods and enrichment programs.
Assist with lavatory activities and personal hygiene assistance.
Responsible for the safety, security and nurturing of the children always assigned to the classroom.
This includes both inside and outside of the classroom and on field trips when applicable.
Assist in gearing the program to the needs of the individual children, recognizing their differences, special interests, needs, abilities and styles and pace of learning socialization skills.
Assist in documenting attendance, accident/incident reports, medication waivers, and daily care sheets for each child in compliance with the YWCA Princeton and Office of licensing regulations.
Always treat all children with dignity and respect, recognizing that each has his/her unique qualities, gifts, and needs.
Giving special personal attention to each child in the room each day, at the child’s eye level and with a pleasant tone.
Greet every child, parent, fellow staff and visitor with a smile and friendliness.
Interact with children at their eye level and height level, using calm, natural and respectful tones of voice.
Help children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
Assist in ordered arrangements, appearance and learning environment or the classroom.
Assume safe and sanitary use and maintenance of all classroom equipment and supplies.
Assist in conducting parent conferences on children’s adjustment to the classroom and appropriate center behavior on an as needed basis and in a professional manner.
Maintain effective communication lines with the children, parents, fellow staff, and Director.
Attend all staff meetings and required training sessions, as well as childcare family events.
Volunteering, when possible, for YWCA Princeton –sponsored events.
Assume any other duties as requested by professional staff and the Chief Operating Officer & director of Childcare at the YWCA.
Must model the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Function as a cooperative, productive member of the YWCA Princeton staff team.