POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Preschool Director, a Preschool Teaching Aide is responsible for the assistance of day-to-day operations of the Preschool program. The Teaching Aide will establish relationships with program participants and provide satisfactory supervision of those participants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assists with implementing daily lesson plans as directed by the Preschool Director.
- Supervises and engages with children in the program to ensure a safe, positive, and supportive environment.
- Maintains program standards for safety, cleanliness, and organization throughout the classroom and program areas.
- Provides excellent participant and family service by building positive relationships with children, parents, and staff. Models YMCA relationship-building skills, including Listen First, in all interactions.
- Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical situations, discipline, child abuse prevention, and emergency response.
- Assists with special program activities, including music programs, field trips, and other enrichment opportunities.
- Completes the required 12 annual clock hours of NECPRS training and maintains all required professional development standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Prior experience as a paraprofessional preferred
- Previous experience with the YMCA preferred
- Must be at least 18 years old
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to work a 25-hour week, including occasional irregular hours
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- Ability to maintain alertness and attentiveness for extended periods of time
- Ability to supervise and interact with children for long periods of time
- Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for extended periods of time
- Ability to bend, lean, kneel, and walk as required by the position
- Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 20 pounds
- Visual and auditory ability to recognize and respond quickly to emergencies or critical situations
- Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids may occur in this position
Applications can be picked up at and returned to the front desk, or downloaded and emailed.
YMCA COMPETENCIES
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve
others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and
perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s
point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning;
speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to
another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an
openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.