Assistant Pre K Counts Teacher - Full Time

Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!

We are looking to hire a Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher for our Rocky Run YMCA location.  Do you want to work for a cause-driven organization while providing a quality preschool education to our youth, this is the position for you! 
 

POSITION PURPOSE

Assist in planning and implementing a safe and developmentally appropriate preschool education in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures within the State of Pennsylvania.  Depending on position in classroom, may oversee classroom staff to ensure program quality. Ensure the safety, well-being and cognitive development of children. Engage and participate in all activities with the children.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Read and be accountable for YMCA Policies, State Licensing Body (PA- DHS / NJ-NJ OOL) regulations, and Quality Rating System standards (Example: NAEYC, Keystone STARS, Grow NJ Kids, ACA).
• Plan curriculum, including Flexible Instruction Plan, for classroom following the proscribed curriculum and ensure child centered age appropriate lessons are offered. Adhere to learn through play NAEYC philosophy.
• Supervise by being able to identify, SEE, HEAR, DIRECT and ASSIST to ensure the safety of each child in your direct care group at all times. Adhere to small group/ratio established by the state licensing agency. Accurately maintain attendance of the children in your care.
• Communicate effectively and timely with parents/guardians regarding children's program experience, progress (written as well as verbal). Maintain confidentiality, use sensitivity, and patience at all times.
• Conduct developmental assessments on the children and follow up with Family Conferences at a minimum of 3 times per year, report outcomes accurately using the outcomes reporting system designated by the funding source (TSG/WSS)
• Provide quality Adult/Child interactions through engagement, positive and encouraging feedback, and asking open-ended questions. Maintain age appropriate verbal interaction guidelines at all times; exercising patience.
• Ensure balance of small group interaction teacher directed activities vs. child choice activities, as required by NAEYC/Keystone STARS.
• Inform Director of any concerns regarding facility, space, staffing, child/staff ratios or child developmental issues that may require early intervention.
• Effectively plan and manage resources. Ensure effective staffing. Ensure timely and effective use of materials, snack, and other classroom resources. Ensure that staff in your room are also maintaining effective method of usage.
• Maintain knowledge of GPY Association policies and procedures, risk management, safety practices, program funding requirements and applicable laws.
• Know the YMCA mission and be able to articulate it.
• Ensure that centers are maintained with quality learning materials, organized accordingly in labeled containers associated with appropriate Learning Center.
• Attend team-planning meetings monthly or more as needed.
• Attend and renew as needed all trainings according to YMCA policies and licensing and funding requirements, including but not limited to 6 hours of childcare related trainings annually as detailed in your training plan.
• Direct and maintain control of environments that build children’s self-esteem. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques for redirection as a form of behavior management.
• Accurately maintain daily attendance records, emergency contact binders, and allergy reports.
• Maintain compliant paperwork (timesheets, parent/guardian communication, incident reports, weekly reports, child observation reports).
• Implement curriculum for program; ensuring child centered and developmentally appropriate learning experiences within YMCA, State Licensing, and Quality Rating System guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or equivalent as defined in state licensing regulations.
• Minimum of a CDA in Preschool
• 2 years’ verified child care experience
• Ongoing Training: fulfill required number of professional development hours for Pre K Counts and STARS, as well as attainment of 24 credit hours in ECE, AA in ECE by 2028

OUR CULTURE

At the YMCA we value CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY in personal character and behavior and believe that they are essential to attaining our mission.

OUR MISSION

To improve lives by connecting people to health, well-being, and to each other.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.