PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT (FULL-TIME)

Job Description

Job Description

FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

40 hours/week

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance

8 Paid Holidays

Generous Paid Time Off

12% Retirement Fund

403b Retirement Savings Plan

Long Term Disability

Company-paid Life Insurance

Free Child Care for your first child, 50% additional children

Free Family YMCA Membership

Up to 50% off select YMCA programming

Staff Growth and Development Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

The Assistant Teacher will be responsible for assisting in the education, supervision and care of children, curriculum planning, and family engagement in the YMCA Early Learning Center Program. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• State requires all prospective employees to submit the following: 
  1. FBI Clearance (Department of Human Services), 
  2. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, 
  3. PA State Police Clearance,
  4. National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Certificate, 
  5. Health Assessment with TB screening, 
  6. Verification of 2,500 hours working with children.
• Minimum age of 18. 
• High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years of experience with children. OR
• High School diploma or equivalent, 15 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field and 1 year of experience with children.
• CPR/Pediatric First Aid/AED Certification required within 60 days of employment by PQAS certified trainer; required.
• Previous experience in childcare, teaching, or other related fields; preferred.
• Work experience related to the care and development of children; preferred.
• Exceptional Communication, Leadership, Empathy, Organizational, Conflict Resolution Skills; preferred. 
• Ability to plan, organize, implement age/developmentally appropriate program activities; preferred.
• Ability to work with people from a variety of different ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual, and generational backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist with implementing the curriculum within the established guidelines. 
2. Assist with daily lesson and activity plans. 
3. Maintain consistent and open verbal and written communication with parents throughout the year. 
4. Supervise the children, classroom and all activities. 
5. Conduct ongoing, systematic child observations and evaluations. 
6. Maintain required program records. 
7. Maintain program areas and adhere to program standards in regards to equipment, storage, safety and cleanliness. 
8. Attend and participate in center wide activities, staff meetings and trainings. 
9. Maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents.
10. Maintain ongoing DHS qualifications required for working in Child Care.
11. Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here 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.

Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position; including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.

Work schedule will include daytime hours and ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.

ALL POSITIONS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING CLEARANCES FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HIRE. CLEARANCES ARE ACCEPTED WITHIN 2 YEARS OF THE HIRE DATE. EMPLOYEES MAY BE COMPENSATED UP TO $50.00 FOR CLEARANCES (WITH A RECEIPT) ONCE THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD HAS BEEN PASSED. 

• PA CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
• PA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CERTIFICATION
• FBI CLEARANCE (Department of Human Services)
• NSOR (National Sex Offender Registry Verification)
• MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING CERTIFICATE

ADDITIONAL CHILDCARE REQUIREMENTS:

• HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED
• VERIFICATION OF 2,500 HOURS WORKING WITH CHILDREN
• 2 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
• STAFF HEALTH ASSESSMENT FORM, INCLUDING TB TESTING (ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT WITH RECEIPT)