Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - YMCA of Rock River Valley

POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher assists in developing, organizing, and implementing high quality YMCA early childhood activities. The Assistant Teacher should be able to demonstrate skill and competence necessary to contribute to each child’s physical, intellectual, personal, emotional and social development. Under direction of the Teacher, the Assistant Teacher provides a quality experience to children and parents that focus on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. This position provides age-appropriate direction for the children in the classroom and implements daily program curriculum. Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.

LOCATION

YMCA Children's Learning Center
2918 Glenwood Ave.
Rockford, IL

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.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

• You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists in daily program activities supporting a structured learning environment. Ensures high quality, developmentally appropriate practices and establishes new interactive learning opportunities.
2. Assists in the creation of lesson plans that support age-appropriate growth and development.
3. Works hands-on inside the program equipping and leading the children.
4. Helps lead and develop new hires.
5. Develops and maintains relationships with enrolled students. Creates an attentive, nurturing environment for participants in which they can thrive.
6. May assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.
7. Helps operate program within predetermined budget.
8. Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
9. Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities, supplies and equipment and ensures the physical environment is supportive for youth development.
10. Develops and maintains effective relationships with parents. Responds to all parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner as needed.
11. Helps to maintain proper records such as incident reports, developmental screenings, and children’s files. Assists with developmental screening and milestone assessments, e.g., Ages and Stages questionnaires and Teaching Strategies Gold.
12. Helps organize and deliver special events for parents and children.
13. Responsible for all cleaning and sanitizing of the classrooms and equipment. Maintains tidiness of all activity spaces and classrooms.
14. Provides an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
15. Provides active and constant supervision at all times including free play, structured learning and nap time.
16. Provides support to all classrooms and age-groups as needed.
17. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
18. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
19. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

DCFS Qualifications 18 and over:

• Minimum age of 18 years old.
• High School Diploma required or general education degree (GED); 2- or 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities independently with or without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to provide and use positive discipline and guidance techniques that meet YMCA standards.
• Emotional maturity when working with children.
• Flexibility, understanding and patience when working with children.
• Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the classroom.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

All Candidates Upon Hire:

• Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test.
• Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary).
• A minimum of 3 written references.
• Register with Gateways to Opportunity.
• Ability to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar year.
• Complete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFS.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

2 Positions

Note: This position has a lead time of 6-8 weeks before placement.

Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.

Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Starting at $17.25 per hour (includes $15.00 base rate and $2.25 grant-funded differential)
Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. The Y offers work/life balance, and excellent membership & program benefits.

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Program Discounts
• 8% Retirement contribution following 2-year vesting requirement

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility