Preschool Teacher Assistant

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Newport News, VA

3d•$13 - $17

About The Position

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of a designated supervisor and in accordance with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, goals, and Virginia Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing Standards. The role helps provide preschool participants with a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment and works with staff to welcome, connect with, support, and engage members, guests, and colleagues. The assistant supports the preschool teacher with child supervision, behavior management, safety, program planning, activity preparation, and communication with parents. The position also supports YMCA programs and values, follows applicable licensing and safety standards, participates in staff training and meetings, and contributes to a safe and positive experience for children, families, members, and staff.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least one year of experience in a related field in a supervised setting.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and 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 criminal background, Virginia State Police background, and Child Protective Services checks.
Ability to observe children’s behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply 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 community-focused work 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 awareness of group numbers.
Assist with planning and preparing daily programs and activities for preschool participants.
Prepare and clean up supplies and materials for daily activities.
Participate actively in 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 a 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 a safe environment for members, guests, and program participants and follow the branch Emergency Operations Plan.
Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Preschool Department and branch operations.