Teacher Assistant I

Crossroads YMCAGriffith, IN
Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Teacher Assistant I supports the Teacher Lead by planning activities and caring for the children in the classroom. As a Teacher Assistant I you provide a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. This position is limited to the duration of the Preschool Program school session and subject to change based on local school trends.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Must have 12 continuing education units annually.
  • Required training completed within designated time of start: Keeping your YMCA Safe.
  • Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid and New Employee Orientation.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • The National YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
  • Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values.
  • Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
  • Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
  • Supports fund-raising.
  • Works effectively with different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
  • Builds rapport and relates well to others.
  • Seeks first to understand the other persons point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations.
  • Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
  • Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
  • Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.
  • Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
  • Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings.
  • Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.
  • Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
  • Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
  • Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process.
  • Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.
  • Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Nice To Haves

  • Minimum of 1 year experience in childcare is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Supports the implementation of curriculum within the established guidelines as outlined by the Teacher Lead, including preparing educational pieces for student work.
  • Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth while building relationships among youth and within families.
  • Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
  • Follows all procedures and standards, supporting behavior management within the program.
  • Supports the ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
  • Cultivates positive relationships, participates in parent conferences as needed, and maintains effective communication with parents.
  • Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA as outlined by the Teacher Lead.
  • Maintains program site and equipment in an effective and responsible way.
  • Maintains required program records including attendance and disciplinary documentation.
  • Attends and participates in family nights, events, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training as required.
  • Supports Teacher Lead to ensure students can take classes remote and ensure class materials are accessible to the learners and meet program goals and objectives.
  • Supports an environment of teamwork with other department staff.
  • Play a role in securing gifts for the annual campaign.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
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