General Functions:
Under the direction of the Director, Assistant Director of Early Child Care Services, Lead Teacher, the UPK Assistant Teacher will assist with the delivery of a safe and developmentally high quality educational experience for the children in accordance with all relevant state, federal and YMCA regulations.
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the Lead Teacher in all daily preschool program activities, including academic enrichment, physical activity, arts and crafts, music, and lunch and snack time. Be prepared to lead activities in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Familiarize self with the New York State Universal Preschool Guidelines and YMCA Preschool program objectives as well as the regulations set by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and consider these practices when planning activities.
• Perform general housekeeping tasks, cleans up after every activity and ensures that site and program areas are clean and well organized.
• Provide children with a daily snack that is wholesome, nutritious, and appropriate in portion and content for the age group.
• Report to the program ready to work at designated times and prepared to stay until all of the children have left.
• Provide a safe, healthy, moral, and fun environment for all children, supervising children at all times and maintaining licensing ratios.
• Provide a positive role model for the children in the program. This includes actions, speech, and attire of all staff.
• Foster within the program participants the growth of the four YMCA character values of respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty. To also foster the growth of skills in team-building, good sportsmanship, friendship, and pride in doing one's best.
• Complete incident reports for all injuries or illnesses requiring first aid. Discuss these incidents with parents and turn all incident reports to the Director within a timely fashion (immediately for those seeking medical care or within 48 hours including follow up for any other incidents).
• Be responsible for completing and maintaining child care records as needed. This includes attendance sheets, health care check, and participant files.
• Work additional hours on half days, snow days, and school holidays as needed in collaboration with the Child Care program.
• Maintain a positive, open relationship with all staff, parents, and program participants. Greet children and parents by name whenever possible. Report any issues or concerns to the Preschool Lead Teacher and Early Learning Directors.
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of training every 2 years with the first fifteen hours being received within the first 6 months of employment as required by NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
• Follow all YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergency procedures.
• All other responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Pursuing Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education
• Associate's in Early Childhood Education
• Child Development Certificate (CDA) in Preschool
• Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position.
• Must demonstrate excellent teaching and decision-making skills.
• Brings to this position maturity, responsibility, and a sincere interest in working with people.
• Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation.
• Possess knowledge of age-appropriate activities and expectations of children ages 3 to 5 years of age.
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to children's needs.
• Be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment.

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