Preschool Teacher Aide

Job Title: Teacher Assistant/Aide

Department: ECE

Reports to: Site Supervisor

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt/ Part Time, Full Time (circle one)

Supervises: NO

Created / Updated: 05/2022

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Site Supervisor or Assistant Site Supervisor of the Child Development Center, is responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in their care. Assistant Teacher (Aide) is also responsible for assuring compliance with codes of all State and local governing agencies; and works collegially with other staff members of the Family YMCA of the Desert.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Provides continuous supervision of assigned groups of children to assure safety and welfare, observe the behavior and health of children continually throughout the period of attendance, refer ill or injured children to the Site/Assistant Supervisor.

  • Assists in implementing weekly group and individual lesson plans and implements age-appropriate curriculum as approved to nurture and stimulate all domains of children’s development in their care.

  • Assists in providing a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth. Utilizes the most current Environmental Rating Scales to guide classroom environment and arrangement.

  • Provides responsive care to all children by adapting daily care giving routines and plans to the interests and needs of both the individual child and the group.

  • Meets the personal care routine needs of each child. Ensures appropriate documentation recording changing, feeding and other essential needs for each individual child as required by regulation or as determined for child need.

  • Follows the Diaper Changing Policy and communicates the policy to all staff and families as needed (if applicable).

  • Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the program and lesson plans.

  • Maintains ongoing, open and positive communication with parents/caregivers.

  • Ensures that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experience clear communication with all teaching staff in the classroom.

  • Acts as a liaison with children’s families to ensure smooth transitions from home to the classroom and from classroom to classroom, if necessary.

  • Maintains YMCA discipline policy in the guidance of young children.

  • Engages in building appropriate relationships with children in their care and the families of the children they serve.

  • Reports any reasonable suspicion of child abuse to their Site Supervisor and Child Protective Services.

  • Maintains accurate, complete and timely client and agency records; Completes daily meal and attendance records.

  • Completes daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children.

  • .

  • Performs housekeeping tasks and maintain a safe and clean and healthy learning environment. Takes responsibility for general clean-up and classroom maintenance, assuming an equal share of the joint housekeeping responsibilities of the staff. Maintains and properly stores equipment and supplies.

  • Reports all staffing, classroom, safety, and/or maintenance concerns to the Site Supervisor in a timely manner.

  • Participates in all staff meetings and in required in-service and educational / professional development opportunities provided by the Family YMCA of the Desert.

  • Maintains professional attitudes and loyalty to the program and supports the policies and philosophy of the YMCA.

  • Treats each child and adult with dignity and respect and maintains a professional attitude with parents, staff and children at all times.

  • Wears correct uniform daily with appropriate pants, shorts, skirts, etc. Wears safe and appropriate shoes, which include a closed toe.

  • Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Company values and represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers
  • Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner
  • Teamwork – Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among co-workers
  • Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Company.
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

  • High School diploma or equivalent

  • 1 or more years of experience in ECE classroom

  • Must have 6 ECE Units and enrolled in 6; 12 ECE units or more completed preferred

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to communicate clearly with staff and participant family/guardian

  • Ability to multitask in high stress or loud environment

  • Ability to understand the CACFP food service program

  • Outlook and Microsoft skills

  • Record keeping skills

Required Licenses/Certifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described on the attached “Physical Demands of Position” chart are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. See attached “Physical Demands of the Position”.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

This position has access to confidential information – (participant personal data, medical records, etc.)

COMPANY FUNDS

This position has no access to company funds.