Preschool Teacher Assistant (All Locations)

YMCA of Metro Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works cooperatively with the Preschool Lead Teacher to plan and conduct learning experiences and activities, and assists in the day-to-day management of an assigned classroom. Under the supervision of the Center Director, the assistant helps maintain a safe, clean, organized, developmentally appropriate classroom and supports children’s learning and well-being. The role includes observing and assessing children, preparing learning activities, managing classroom routines and behavior, communicating with teachers and families, and participating in required meetings, training, and professional development.

Requirements

CDA in preschool or enrollment in a degree program that will be completed within two years of hire.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to perform physical requirements including kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects or children weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, including criminal record check, drug screening, motor vehicle record check, and reference check, according to company policy.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Organize classroom space into functional interest areas in collaboration with the teacher.
Maintain a clean, healthy, safe, and orderly classroom environment, indoors and outdoors, with materials readily accessible to children.
Provide constant supervision of children during all activities, indoors and outdoors.
Observe children’s physical conditions and refer concerns to the teacher.
Observe and assess children in each developmental area using designated screening and ongoing assessment processes; refer children with suspected problems to the teacher.
Provide input into ongoing evaluations of each child’s progress.
Prepare lesson plans, materials, and learning environments in collaboration with the teacher; ensure they are organized, interactive, appropriate, clean, safe, and hands-on.
Follow the daily schedule and conduct activities appropriate to children’s individual developmental levels.
Assume primary responsibility for classroom management in the teacher’s absence.
Provide varied art media and opportunities for creative expression; display children’s work at their eye level.
Conduct individual, small-group, and large-group activities and present concepts in sequential order.
Plan and participate in a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
Communicate the need for additional supplies to the teacher.
Use community resources and field trips to enrich classroom learning.
Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences during the school year.
Establish age-appropriate classroom rules with teachers and maintain order using positive behavioral-management approaches.
Support smooth transitions between activities.
Attend and participate in required team, site, and agency meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
Follow site-appropriate health, safety, classroom organization, aesthetic, and sanitation guidelines.
Follow mandatory reporting procedures for suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries.