Preschool Teacher Assistant

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Williamsburg, VA

6d•$13 - $17

About The Position

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, the Preschool Teacher Assistant provides a safe, caring learning environment for preschool participants in accordance with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals, as well as 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 staff. The assistant supports the teacher with supervision, behavior management, safety, and daily activities for assigned preschool children. The role requires maintaining children within sight and sound, knowing their whereabouts and group count, assisting with activity preparation and cleanup, participating in games and activities, communicating with parents with the teacher’s assistance, and following child-care, emergency, and abuse-reporting requirements. The assistant also attends scheduled meetings and training, supports YMCA fundraising efforts, and helps maintain a safe and positive environment for children, members, guests, staff, and the community.

Requirements

At least 16 years of age.
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 trainings, 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 its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and use appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to preschool childcare participants.
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.
Supervise children within sight and sound during assigned shifts; know their whereabouts and maintain awareness of the number of children in the assigned group.
Assist with planning and preparing daily programs and activities for preschool participants.
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 staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
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 deemed necessary by the Preschool Department and branch operations.
Help achieve branch membership growth and retention goals and high member satisfaction.
Help maintain a positive YMCA image, a pleasant working environment, strong relationships, and a safe, clean facility that meets quality and licensing standards.