Teachers Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director/ Ed Coordinator and the Lead Teacher, the main responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant are to assist in planning, preparing and implementing the classroom curriculum using the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist in establishing a warm and professional rapport with all children and families in the classroom
2. Assist in maintaining health and safety standards in the classroom
3. Maintain accurate attendance records
4. Ensure cleanliness of the classroom including counter tops, sinks and tables
5. Greet families and children as they enter or exit the classroom and or building
6. Support social and emotional development and positive guidance in the classroom
7. Assist in designing an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the age of the children
8. Assist in the documentation of children’s work
9. Ensure appropriate active supervision of children at all times of day (especially in the bathroom and on the playground)
10. Follow through with the daily lesson plans in the absence of the Lead Teacher
11. Be familiar with DHS licensing regulations, and Family Handbook
12. Participate in Family Engagement Activities run by the center
13. Develop a yearly Professional Development Plan that is aligned to the RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, which will include 20 hour of training in a related field.
14. Participate in all staff trainings and parent/staff meetings and other mandatory or required meetings during the year.
15. Complete the duties or provide coverage as assigned by the Ed Coordinator/Director of the program

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The Teacher Assistant shall have an a minimum of a Teacher Assistant Certification or 9 college credits in early childhood education
2. Three months experience working in a classroom environment
3. Must be at least 21 years of age
4. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire
5. Obtain or begin the requirements to obtain the RIELDS certificate within 9 months of hire
6. Meet all DCYF and YMCA Employment qualifications

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
2. Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
3. Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds