The Assistant Child Care Teacher will be responsible assisting in daily aspects of the classroom program, and care of children. The Teacher Assistant will work toward providing a program to foster children’s social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, at all times, under the direction of the Lead Teachers and Director.
· Assist the Lead Teachers in providing a quality program that takes into consideration the needs of each child and the goals and objectives of the YMCA as well as local, state, federal regulations, and The Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards
· Be responsible for the safety and well being of the children at all times
· Be actively engaged and responsive to the children’s needs at all times
· Help Lead teachers prepare for lessons by prepping lesson materials, activities and equipment
· Assist Lead Teachers in preparing and cleanup of snack and lunches
· Assist Lead Teachers in preparing and cleaning the room for “rest time”
· Reinforce rules and maintain a safe and healthy setting that fosters children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respects their dignity and their contributions.
· Base program practices upon current knowledge in the field of child development and related disciplines and upon particular knowledge of each child
· Attend all staff meetings and in-service training as required by the Director
· Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, colleague)
· Communicate pertinent information with the Lead Teachers and Director obtained through contact with parents and children
· Be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to keep current through continuing education and in-service trainings
· Communicate with parents in a professional manner as requested by Lead Teacher or Supervisor
· Assist in all YMCA activities and special events, as needed, to ensure their success
· Perform other duties as designated by the Lead Teachers and Supervisor
· Be prepared to take on the role of Lead Teacher when needed
· Take any trainings as requested by Supervisor or YMCA
· Knowledge of Early Childhood Development
· Excellent communication skills and patience
· The individual must have the ability to work well with children in cooperation with other staff and parents of participants.
· Being responsive and flexible to the needs of the program
· Documentation of a physical examination and a negative TINE test, valid within one year of employment is mandatory.
· Clear criminal background check.
· Attentive and patient