YMCA of the Roses·Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The Assistant Teacher implements early childhood curriculum and provides a quality learning experience for Pre-K children. They are responsible for supervising classroom activities, maintaining a safe environment, and fostering positive relationships with parents.
Join our early childhood education team! We're looking for a Full-Time Pre-K Assistant Teacher to work 8:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule, with potential shifts in our before- and after-school care programs.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Implements purposeful programming and curriculum within the established guidelines and is prepared in advance of each lesson/activity. Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards. Actively guides children in developmentally appropriate appropriate play and routines. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child to provide feedback and create purposeful activities to meet the needs of the individual and group. Provides positive descriptive feedback to prevent and redirect challenging behaviors. Cultivates positive relationships, conducts parent conferences, and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA. Maintains program site and equipment in accordance with program standards. Ensures a safe, healthy environment and is knowledgeable on effectively enacting safety/emergency procedures. Practices infection control procedures and proper hand washing. Maintains required program records. Accurately maintains required trainings to comply with licensing, program standards and YMCA policies. Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training as required. Effectively communicates with supervisor and co-workers to provide feedback for program improvement, concerns, etc. Reports suspected abuse in accordance with the PA Child Protective Services Law and YMCA policy. Performs other duties as assigned. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader): · Engaging Community · Critical Thinking & Decision Making · Innovation · Inclusion
As per Department of Human Services, an Assistant Group Supervisor shall have attained one of the following qualifications: A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education or the human services field. A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate, including 600 or more hours of secondary training described in section 3270.31(c) (relating to age and training). A high school or general educational development certificate, 15 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education or the human services field and 1 year of documented experience with children. A high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and completion of a post-secondary training curriculum described in section 3270.31 (c). A high school diploma or general educational development certificate and 2 years documented experience with children. And, Obtain a State Police, Child Abuse, NSOR and FBI certifications in addition to a negative Mantoux TB test and a physical. Obtain Mandated Reporter training certification. Must have or obtain Pediatric First Aide/CPR and AED certification. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Requirements Light – exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Body Position and Movement (Seldom-1-10%, Occasionally-10-30%, Frequently 30-60%, Continuously 60-100% of the time) o Stationary Position – Seldom o Reaching - Occasionally o Move/Traverse – Frequently o Pulling/Pushing - Occasionally o Position self to move about with agility (upright or lowered to the floor) - Occasionally o Lifting – Frequently o Ascend/Descend - Occasionally Visual Requirements Requires good color, depth and field of vision (with or without correction) to distinguish like objects from one another, detect and visually follow moving objects Auditory (Hearing) Requirements Ability to hear voices, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds to communicate, answer phones and respond to alarms/emergencies Hazardous Conditions/Materials Exposure Frequent exposure to outdoor elements Potential to come into contact with bodily fluids/blood
Obtain a State Police, Child Abuse, NSOR and FBI certifications in addition to a negative Mantoux TB test and a physical.
Candidates must have a high school diploma and specific combinations of college credits in early childhood education or documented experience with children. Required certifications include State Police, Child Abuse, FBI, Mandated Reporter, and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED.
Market context
Teaching assistant openings in Pennsylvania are often driven by school staffing needs, especially in classrooms supporting students with special needs. These roles can be competitive because employers often prefer candidates with an associate degree or college credits, plus experience with children, crisis intervention training, and CPR. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then highlight any special education, behavior support, or safety training in your application.