Provide instructional support and classroom management for children aged 3-5 in collaboration with the Lead Teacher. Ensure a safe, positive learning environment while adhering to Head Start and NAEYC standards.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Early Education with a Gateways Level 4 credential or an Associate degree with the same credential. Must pass a DCFS background check and demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA mission.
The Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher in collaboration with the Head Start Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides support in effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children 3-5 years old. The Head Start Pre-K Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervision of children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive and positive classroom climate, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards.
This is a full-time opportunity that starts at $21.04 per hour. This is a Union position.
Application Requirements
To be considered for a position in our early learning program, applicants must submit the following with their application:
Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.
Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:
Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.
Scope of Responsibilities
Demonstrate enthusiasm and interpersonal skills in order to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators, and the community
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs
Professional Development
Employee Discounts
Competitive Salaries
Wellness Programs
403(b) Plan
Mental Health Resources
Flexible Work Hours
Family Gym Membership
Support high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that promotes academic readiness
Maintains awareness and supervision of the needs of all children and ensures their health and physical safety at all times
Aid in the guidance and support of all children including dual language learners and those with special needs
Support and assist Teachers in the implementation of English Language Learner programs to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices
Utilize available resources to adapt and apply different instructional methods to support children’s varying needs
Assumes the lead in selected activities throughout periods of the day
Model and promote appropriate grammar, language, positive interactions, and discipline for children and parents
Establish and maintain a cooperative attitude of working together with adults assigned to the classroom in planning and implementing activities
Assist with preparations for Parent Meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Parent/Child Activities, and other classrooms/center events
Aid in completion of all necessary paperwork for classroom activities
Annually complete at least thirty clock hours of professional development, through participation in offered training, workshops, in-service days, all staff conferences, and maintain a log of professional development requirements, including documents supporting completion
Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families
Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards, Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Creative Curriculum for Preschool
Observe and respect issues of confidentiality Lesson Planning and Classroom Management
Collaborate with classroom team members to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement
Gather, arrange and display children’s work to help in a manner appropriate for their eye level
Assist classroom team to maintain an attractive, clean, safe, and engaging classroom environment that includes positive guidance techniques and that encourages support children's independence and self-selection of activities
Model and implement family-style eating during mealtimes
Regularly sanitize all surfaces, classroom toys, equipment, and laundry
Assist with classroom management, arrangement, organization, and labeling materials
Assume joint share of classroom team to maintain a safe, clean, environment, and practice good personal hygiene and frequent hand washing
Assist with completion of classroom inventory quarterly and the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction and children’s learning Assist in Evaluations, Assessments, and Reports
Timely and accurately administer required screenings
Observe, document, and assess children’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development
Follow the established system for collecting and managing daily observations of children, including weekly entries on-line
Take pictures and maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for each child
Maintain documentation of each child’s progress and growth according to Head Start guidelines and the methods of Teaching Strategies GOLD
Input classroom data into appropriate information systems, as required (TSG, Home Visits, and Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Adhere to timelines and complete child assessment information, at least four times annually
Complete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including attendance and meal count sheets
Assume joint share of the classroom team to maintain and ensure accurate and up-to-date education folders and portfolios for each child
Observe and respect issues of confidentiality
Minimum and Required Requirements
Bachelor's degree- Early Education and Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential or AA Degree with Gateways Level 4 Credential
Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment
Passion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and serving the needs of children and families
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to assist in the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices to promote early learning and social-emotional development
Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:
Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
Completing all child abuse prevention training as required
