Early Learning Childcare Assistant Teacher

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Assists in implementing curriculum and developmentally appropriate activities within established guidelines.

· Contributes ideas, creativity, and feedback to support classroom activities, curriculum implementation, and program quality.

· Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

· Supervises children, classroom environments, and activities, including ADA accommodations where appropriate, while following all procedures and standards.

· Supports ongoing observations of individual children and assists with developmental assessments and classroom documentation.

· Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with children, families, and staff.

· Maintains consistent communication with families through YMCA-approved communication platforms to keep parents informed about their child’s daily experiences, development, activities, and care.

· Engages families and helps connect them to the YMCA community.

· Maintains classroom environments, program spaces, and equipment to ensure cleanliness, organization, and safety.

· Maintains confidentiality of children, families, and staff at all times.

· Demonstrates initiative by identifying classroom needs, supporting teammates, and helping maintain smooth daily operations.

· Supports the Classroom Lead Teacher and Program Director with classroom responsibilities, transitions, problem solving, and daily routines.

· Participates in professional development opportunities and applies learning to strengthen classroom practices and program quality.

· Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, trainings, and YMCA events.

· Ensures YMCA policies, licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and procedures are followed at all times.

· Maintains an environment that ensures children’s safety, well-being, and emotional development.

· Ensures zero tolerance for abuse and actively participates in the protection of youth and teens.

· Performs all other duties as assigned.

· QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: 

Must be at least 18 years of age 

· Experience working with children preferred

· Ability to relate effectively to children, families, staff members, and volunteers

· Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

· Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· Classroom-based setting within Cedar Ridge YMCA.

· Physical mobility: walking, climbing, stairs, standing, kneeling, bending, leaning, stooping, and sitting for extended periods

· Frequent bending, lifting, and floor-based caregiving.

· The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. 

· Collaborative team atmosphere with ongoing training and support.

· Ability to use phone, tablet, other equipment

· Ability to hear, listen, speak

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust, and distinguish colors

· Visual and auditory response to critical situations and ability to act swiftly in an emergency

· The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be louder at times

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.