Preschool Assistant Teacher

Description

Job Title: Early Childcare Assistant Teacher Status: Part-Time/Non-Exempt

Department: Childcare Reports to: Director of Childcare Services

Revision Date: October 25, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

This 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 and supervision of the appropriate lead teacher, the assistant teacher will be responsible for assisting with the planning, development and implementation of all classroom activities. The assistant teacher will have specific assignments that provide for the children's social, physical, and mental growth and will also work in any support role necessary for the operation of the child care program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. To provide the children with a safe, loving and nurturing environment.
2. To meet the children's needs in all areas - physical, emotional, social and intellectual.
3. To participate with the lead teacher in the implementation of the weekly lesson plans.
4. To carry out appropriate and positive discipline established by the teacher.
5. To see the program goals are implemented.
6. To maintain a room arrangement that is safe, inviting, interesting and stimulating.
7. To be sensitive and responsive to parents.
8. To attend staff meetings and conferences.
9. To assist in recordkeeping for the classroom.
10. Support the programs and goals of the YMCA.
11. All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to work well with children
2. Ability to lift 50 pounds.
3. Ability to participate in all activities, i.e. games, sports, and other child appropriate activities
4. Cooperate with teachers and directors
5. Evidence of sufficient maturity and judgment to handle crisis situations.
6. Documentation of physical examination and TB test.
7. Compliance with requirements mandatory for state license within 14 days of hire.
8. Attend staff development regularly as mandated by the State of CT and the Wallingford Family YMCA.
9. Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification required at all times. CT Child Care Certification recommended.

WORK 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.

Safety is the responsibility of every employee of the YMCA. Each employee is charged with adhering to the YMCA's Safety and Risk Management Program as directed by the management.

YMCA SAFETY, RISK AND ABUSE MANAGEMENTS:


EMPLOYEES WHO DIRECTLY SUPERVISE YOUTH WILL:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.