Associate Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Associate Teacher is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing the daily curriculum while ensuring the safety of the children in their care. They will provide direction for children and implement program curriculum. Additionally, Associate Teachers provide quality experience for children and parents by promoting achievement and building relationships. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

1. Ensure safety of children enrolled in program. 
2. Assists in preparing and executing the curriculum and daily schedule for a program promoting inclusive support for all children, addressing their unique strengths and needs. 
3. Assist in maintaining a well-organized safe and attractive classroom and outdoor space in accordance with the Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale and CLASS Environments
4. Assist with indoor/outdoor set-up and clean-up. 
5. Maintain ongoing communication and positive relationships with children, parents, staff, community members and organizations. 

1. Carry out effective behavior management techniques in accordance with the YMCA behavior management policies and procedures. 

7. Observe children daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth linking to appropriate desired result measures.  

1. Completes Developmental profiles and written goals for children in your primary group within 60 days of enrollment and every six months thereafter. 
2. Assist with food service and appropriate documentation following federal food program guidelines. 
3. Maintain an attitude of dignity and respect toward children, parents, and staff.
4. Maintain Pediatric first aid & CPR, mandated reporter training, and other training and certifications as assigned. 
5. Complete 21 hours of professional growth and development yearly. 
6. Any other duties related to the operation of the classroom as assigned. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES:  

Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work. 

Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. 

Developing Others :  Recognizes and acts on the need to continually develop others’ capabilities to attain the highest level of performance possible. 

Inclusion :  Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. 

Innovation: Participates in the generation, experimentation, and implementation of new approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s mission and work. 

Quality Results: Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

1. At least 6 months of early care classroom experience working with families and children in a preschool or childcare setting. 
2. Must hold or be able to apply for a current California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or above. Toddler Associates must have at least 3 units in infant/toddler care.
3. Current approved EMSA First Aid, Adult, Infant, and Child CPR certifications (or obtained within 30 days of employment). 
4. Proof of Immunizations: TB, Influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis, and measles vaccination. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT, RESPONSIBILITIES & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

1. 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. 
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.   
3. Must be able to stand for moderate periods of time. 
4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. 
5. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

Amount of time 

None 

Up to 1/3 

1/3 to ½ 

½ or more 

Stand 

x 

Walk 

x 

Sit 

x 

Talk   

x 

Hear 

x 

See 

X 

Push/Pull 

x 

Stoop/kneel/crawl 

x 

Reaching w/ arms/hands 

x 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

Amount of time 

None 

Up to 1/3 

1/3 to ½ 

½ or more 

Outdoor weather conditions 

x 

Risk of radiation 

X 

Toxic Chemical Handling 

X 

If this box is checked, this position requires lifting:  

Amount of time 

None 

Up to 1/3 

1/3 to ½ 

½ or more 

Up to 10 lbs. 

X 

Up to 25 lbs. 

x 

Up to 50 lbs. 

X 

Up to 100 lbs. 

X 

More than 100 lbs. 

X 

REPETITIVE MOTION:  

REPETITIVE MOTION: 

If this box is checked, this position requires repetitive motion/actions 

HEARING:  

HEARING: 

If this box is checked, this position requires being able to hear 

NOISE LEVEL:  

N OISE LEVEL: 

Quiet 

Moderate Noise 

Loud Noise 

Background Check: 

All offers of employment are contingent upon the meeting the minimum Association-requirement(s) established for: employment references, personal references, Fingerprinting (a search of the candidate’s criminal background history), and physical examinations where required.