Early Learning Center Assistant Teacher

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Early Learning Assistant Teacher to join our team.


The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.


As the Early Learning Assistant Teacher, you will support the Lead Teacher at the YMCA Early Learning Center (ELC) year-round to serve our community with a variety of activity options to explore and develop the interests and talents of the youth so that children have fun, grow and thrive in our care. You will help in providing balanced recreation, education, and character development through enriched activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and participate in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
• Participate in planning the educational programs curriculum, and assist with the implementation of the daily classroom curriculum.
• Prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom curriculum.
• Plan and carry out educational planning meetings with families.
• Complete daily attendance/meal count and/or snack production record.
• Assist with record keeping on individual children and families as directed by Early Learning Center Director.
• Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry.
• Prepare and serve snacks and meals; participate in and facilitate mealtime service and join children at the table for support and conversation.

Are you a good fit?

• You are at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or GED.
• You have at least one year of experience working in an Early Learning setting.
• Have or are willing to obtain an Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate.
• You enjoy working with children and diverse populations.
• You are able to lead a large group using behavior management skills.
• You have or commit to obtaining CPR, Basic First Aid, Food Handlers, TB test, Child Care Basic STARS, proof of MMR vaccine, and a Merit account.
• Able up to lift 50 lbs. and move quickly to engage with the children.
• You are able to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on your first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Wage: $18.54 to $24.05 per hour, depending on qualifications


Hours: Full-Time 40 hour a week


Location : YMCA University Place Early Learning Center, University Place, WA


Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options
• YMCA paid Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement saving plan. After 2 years of Full-Time employment, the YMCA will contribute 8% of your monthly earnings
• Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with years of service)
• 8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year
• Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program and LifeMart employee discount center
• Professional training, education and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, Child Care services, and merchandise
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for Full-Time employees

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team. To apply visit our website at


Please note that employment with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer requirements, which may include age verification, reference checks, and state and national background checks. All inquiries and checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled.

Early Learning Center Assistant Teacher Job Description

Position Summary

The Early Learning Assistant Teacher is a year round position responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing services of the ELC program. Consistently has positive communication with parents, children, schools, and other staff; practice risk management; and develop positive community relations. Provides a high quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.


Key Responsibilities
• In collaboration with other Early Learning staff, support and participate in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
• Participate in planning the educational program, and assist with the implementation of the daily classroom curriculum.
• Prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom curriculum.
• Plan and carry out educational planning meetings with families.
• Complete daily attendance/meal count and/or snack production record. Assist with record keeping on individual children and families as directed by Early Learning Center Director.
• Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry.
• Administer standardized screening tools as directed.
• Prepare and serve snacks and meals; participate in and facilitate mealtime service and join children at the table for support and conversation.
• Oversee health habits in the classroom, i.e. handwashing. Administer first aid as needed. Check indoor and outdoor environment for safety hazards.
• Understand and implement the Washington Administrative Code and Early Achievers to ensure program is in compliance at all times.
• Work in accordance with program standards and work with ELC team to enhance parent's role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.
• Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.
• Treat every participant fairly and equally regardless of circumstances and abilities, making each feel good about themselves and encouraging a fun environment.
• Greet all parents daily and inform them of all program changes. Communicate frequently with parents concerning their child's behavior, academic progress and socialization in the program.
• Directly supervise children at all times and maintain program/site in compliance with state licensing standards.
• Follow the guidelines, policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies, in the YMCA Staff and Parent Handbooks and Staff Handbook. Complete all required forms daily and monthly.
• Dispense medication according to the Medication Authorization Form and maintain accurate records of such. Ensure proper storage of medication according to required standards. Return medication to parents/guardian, as needed.
• Assist the Center Directors and Lead Teacher with setting every child up for success; implement "Plan of Success" form when needed and meet with all parties involved to create a plan to success.
• Assist the Center directors and lead teacher in creating marketing plans and distributing marketing materials as needed to increase enrollment.
• Maintain cleanliness and order.
• Assume other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with supervisor.
• Collaborate with Early Learning team, families, and family supports to plan and conduct family events.
• Encourage and support families in working toward goals they have set for themselves.
• Maintain positive public relations with members and always represent the best interests of the YMCA.
• Conduct parent conferences, and maintain positive relationships and effective communication
• with parents. Engage parents as volunteers.
• Communicate consistently and effectively Center Director, Lead Teachers and Program Directors; via emails, voice messages, etc. and respond accordingly.
• Maintain and update necessary staff qualifications with WAC and YMCA requirements.
• Complete necessary trainings (STARS, CPR/ First Aid, First Day Trainings (Child Abuse Prevention & Blood Borne, Pathogens), and Annual refreshers.
• Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
• Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
• Properly manage weekly hours, clock in and out, and complete paper work on time.
• Recruit program participants -- know and understand enrollment numbers.
• Cleaning and sanitation protocols will be required of all staff.
• Staff will be responsible for frequent touchpoint cleaning and sanitizing in specific areas.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
• One year or more of related experience in Early Learning setting is required.
• Reliable transportation - the ability to support at all sites across Pierce and Kitsap County, as needed
• Minimum of 18 years of age or older.
• Have or willing to obtain an ECE Short Certificate.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
• A desire to have fun, engage with children, and inspire creativity!
• Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
• Preferred: Knowledge and skills to lead a large group using behavior management skills
• Possesses (or is willing to possess prior to hire): CPR, First Aid, TB Test, Food Handler's Card, Child Care Basic STARS, proof of MMR vaccine, Merit account.
• Able and willing to complete a Department of Children, Youth, and Families Portable Background Check.
• Complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day. Complete other online and in-person training as required.


Working Conditions/Physical Demands
• Regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical accidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in all activities, including physical activities.


Employee Acknowledgement

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of this position. This document is not an exhaustive list and other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without advanced notice.


This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise employment-at-will rights at any time.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read the document in its entirety and that you understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position. Further, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation(s), and that should you need assistance, that you are responsible for notifying your Director, Executive Director, and/or Human Resources.