Head Start Assistant Preschool Teacher

POSITION SUMMARYThis position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direction of a fully qualified Teacher (per regulations), the Teacher Aide creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Provides direction for the children in the classroom and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSNurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program.Licensed PreschoolInfant1 Teacher to 4 infants1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 2 Aides to 12 infantsToddler1 Teacher to 6 toddlers1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 12 toddlersPreschool 1 Teacher to 12 children1 Partially Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 15 children1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 18 childrenState Subsidized Preschool (Title 5)Infant (birth – 18 month)1:3 adult-child ratio1:18 teacher-child ratioToddlers (18 months-36 months)1:4 adult-child ratio1:16 teacher-child ratioPreschool (36 months – kindergarten)1:8 adult-child ratio1:24 teacher-child ratioLicensed School-Age1 Teacher to 14 children on site1 Teacher and 1 Aide to 28 children1 Teacher to 12 children on field trips1 Teacher to 6 children for water activitiesTeacher Aides cannot be assigned a group. Teacher Aides must work under the supervision of a qualified teacher; a Teacher Aide may never be alone with a group of children with the exception of taking children to and from the restroom.No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.Actively supports the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.Assist with planning and implementing program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, consistent with the YMCA Core Values, and established guidelines.Adheres to program standards, including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and YMCA expectations.Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child. Communicates with supervisor regarding child’s development.Cultivate positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.Set appropriate physical and behavioral limits in order to provide a fun, safe and positive experience for all children while treating the children with respect and dignity.Set a positive example of conduct and personal habits.Attend and participate in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings. 13. Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.Understand and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times.Maintain positive relationship with parents, other YMCA team members and community partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.Work directly with qualified teacher; never alone with a group of children (with the exception of taking children to and from the restroom).From time to time, you may be assigned as a 1:1 aide for a child who needs special attention or extra guidance. In such situations, your primary job responsibility will be to supervise and guide the child to whom you are assigned. However, if the child to whom you are assigned as a 1:1 aide does not come in on the assigned day and/or comes late to, or leaves early from, the program, you will be expected to perform all of your regularly assigned job functions during such time, including site clean-up.All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIESThe Y’s Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 Leadership Competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of Cause-Driven Leadership:Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the communityCompetencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & VolunteerismBuilding Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needsCompetencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & InclusionLeading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the communityCompetencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project ManagementDeveloping & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impactCompetencies Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & OthersWhile all competencies are significant the following are critical to success in this position: Engaging CommunityEngaging CommunityCollaborationCritical Thinking & Decision-MakingDeveloping Self & OthersMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAGE: Eighteen (18) years or olderEDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent. Working towards Associate's degree in Early Childhood development preferred.ECE/CD UNITS:Infant/Toddler/Preschool: Twelve (12) semester units in ECE or CD. Six (6) Infant/Toddler specific courses, preferred.Preferred: Be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development or related field.RELATED EXPERIENCE:Previous experience working with preschool and/or school age children in a group setting (preferred).Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturityLICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:Current approved EMSA First Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (eight (8) hours).Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program.Valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit, required. Child Development Teacher Permit, preferred.IMMUNIZATION & PHYSICAL: Current TB, influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis, and measles vaccination and physical exam.WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSYou must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.Job does include water-related activities.Ability to lift 30-35 lbs. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles