Preschool Teacher Assistant

YMCA Virginia Peninsulas•Williamsburg, VA

16d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, the Preschool Teacher Assistant provides a safe, caring, and learning-focused environment for preschool participants in accordance with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals and the Virginia Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing Standards. The role emphasizes high-quality service and works with staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and colleagues. The assistant supports the preschool teacher with supervision, behavior management, safety, planning and preparing activities, and communicating with parents about children’s needs and daily activities. The position also contributes to YMCA programs and operations, follows child-care and emergency procedures, attends required meetings and training, and participates in fundraising efforts. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of related experience in a supervised setting, a negative TB test within the previous two years, and CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 certification within 30 days. Medication Administration Training certification is preferred. The employee must complete required trainings and satisfactory criminal, Virginia State Police, and Child Protective Services background checks.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in a related field in a supervised setting.
CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 certification required within 30 days.
Proof of a negative TB test within the last two years.
Complete and maintain required training, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.
Ability to observe children’s behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply behavior-management techniques.
Ability to communicate and work with children of assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction.
Ability to plan, lead, and participate in appropriate childcare activities.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid.
Physical strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of children.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals.
Model the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility to promote a professional work environment.
Lead in a manner that advances the YMCA’s cause through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs.
Assist the teacher with supervision, behavior management, and safety of assigned preschool children.
Keep children within sight and sound during assigned shifts, know their whereabouts, and maintain an accurate count of the assigned group.
Assist with planning and preparing daily programs and activities for preschool participants.
Help prepare and clean up supplies and materials for daily activities.
Actively participate in organized group games and activities, including swimming, team-building activities, and arts and crafts.
Follow Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers and department Association standards.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
Follow mandated abuse-reporting requirements.
With the teacher’s assistance, communicate with parents about children’s needs and report daily activities.
Wear the staff uniform and name tag, or professional attire when appropriate.
Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts, including Annual Support and United Way Campaigns.
Act as a leader in emergencies and report accidents or incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan.
Help ensure members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and follow the branch Emergency Operations Plan.
Carry out other related duties as needed by the Preschool Department and branch operations.
Observe children’s behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Communicate and work with children of assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction.
Plan, lead, and participate in appropriate childcare activities.
Respond to environmental hazards using visual and auditory abilities, respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid, and maintain constant supervision of children.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.