PT ELC Assistant Teacher

Montclair YMCA • Montclair, NJ

128d • $16 - $17

About The Position

The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher serves as a member of the Montclair Y staff team and therefore should maintain the qualifications for assistant teacher status as listed in the Department of Child Care Licensing policy and through the Montclair Y’s standards. Under the direction of the Early Childhood Group Teacher, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the Montclair Y, the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the classroom teacher in a variety of instructional, clerical and/or classroom tasks, providing a safe, fun and positive environment for participants. The Assistant Teacher aids in the education, health, welfare and safety of the members enrolled in their classroom and the center as a whole. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher must demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA’s four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must possess a high school degree and 2 years classroom experience as an aide or other suitable experience with children.
• Must enroll at their expense and complete a CDA program within the first year of employment if the incumbent possesses only a high school diploma.
• Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire.
• Must have the ability to take charge of a group of children and come up with activities/games at a moment’s notice.
• Must have the stamina and physical flexibility to participate in children's activities and communicate with children face to face.
• Must be able to accompany children up and down stairs.
• Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Greet each child and parent upon arrival.
• Visually scan each child upon arrival and check for illness, disease, or any physical impairment.
• Demonstrate warmth toward children and set a positive example by always using a pleasant and calm speaking voice.
• Comfort children when needed.
• Assist the teacher with the instructional lessons.
• Accompany children to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills.
• Set up cots/mats in the classroom.
• Reinforce skills using puppets, flannel boards, manipulatives, etc.
• Help select appropriate songs and stories.
• Read and sing with the class daily.
• Help supervise fine and gross motor activities indoors and outside.
• Help plan free play activities/afternoon activities.
• Use positive reinforcement.
• Assist children in maintaining proper personal hygiene.
• Help prepare materials for lessons.
• Help prepare learning center and bulletin boards.
• Help with classroom plans and pet care as needed.
• Assist in serving snacks and meals.
• Help maintain classroom cleanliness.
• Provide input to the teacher about children's progress.
• Advise teachers, not parents, regarding child's daily problems/concerns.
• Attend all required meetings.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attend required Abuse Risk Management training.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Help teacher with completion of all classroom records.
• Provide for professional growth by attending workshops and reading.
• Perform other duties as requested by Teacher and/or designee.
• Be fully aware of the policies of Geyer Early Learning Center and adhere to such guidelines daily.
• Maintain loyalty to the Y and conduct self with professional integrity.
• Always maintain a safe & healthy environment.
• Assure the safety of Y members/participants and report incidents immediately.
• Plan, deliver, and maintain quality programs and facilities.
• Attend all mandatory training and staff meetings.

Benefits

• Free YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our YMCA facilities at no cost.
• 25% Discount on YMCA Programs.
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for referring to qualified candidates.
• Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on various products and services.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligibility after 90 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees