Teacher assistant i

Job Details:

Job Location: Gary YMCA - Gary, IN

Position Type: Part Time

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Pay starts at $12.50 per hour and up based on experience.

Where Children Ages 1–5 Learn, Grow, and Thrive—and Great Teachers Make the Difference.

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. The Teacher Assistant I supports the Teacher Lead by planning activities and caring for the children in the classroom. As a Teacher Assistant I you provide a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. This position is limited to the duration of the Preschool Program school session and subject to change based on local school trends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supports the implementation of curriculum within the established guidelines as outlined by the Teacher Lead, including preparing educational pieces for student work.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth while building relationships among youth and within families.
• Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Follows all procedures and standards, supporting behavior management within the program.
• Supports the ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships, participates in parent conferences as needed, and maintains effective communication with parents.
• Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA as outlined by the Teacher Lead.
• Maintains program site and equipment in an effective and responsible way.
• Maintains required program records including attendance and disciplinary documentation.
• Attends and participates in family nights, events, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training as required.
• Supports Teacher Lead to ensure students can take classes remote and ensure class materials are accessible to the learners and meet program goals and objectives.
• Supports an environment of teamwork with other department staff.
• Play a role in securing gifts for the annual campaign.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 6 months of experience required.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in childcare is preferred.
• Must have 12 continuing education units annually.
• Required training completed within designated time of start: Keeping your YMCA Safe.
• Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid and New Employee Orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

The National YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment.