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 Teacher Assistant is r esponsible for assisting the Lead T eacher and Teacher in the care and learning of children within the classroom .
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. W e are determined: above all else , we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
- Assist in developing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with MA Dept. of Early Education and Care (EEC) guidelines, Developmental Standards, and YMCA policies.
- Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Teacher to prepare and deliver lesson plans for indoor and outdoor activities.
- Conduct ongoing assessments of children’s progress, document findings, and review with the Lead Teacher and Teacher .
- Incorporate Y Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards into daily routines through positive role modeling.
- M aintain classroom learning centers per ECERS Environmental Rating Scale standards.
- Provide daily communication to families, including updates on children’s activities and progress.
- Ensure compliance with MA EEC regulations for sign-in/out procedures and maintain accurate attendance and meal reports.
- Conduct daily health checks, document findings, and follow all health, safety, and emergency protocols.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings , and professional development opportunities.
- Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment by building supportive relationships with children and families.
- Communicate professionally, modeling YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and workplace environment.
- Support and participate in special events and parent/family-oriented activities.
- Serve daily snacks/meals following child nutrition program guidelines and maintain related documentation.
Serve as a positive role model by maintaining a professional appearance, ensuring clear identification as YMCA staff, and upholding a demeanor that positively represents the organization.
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Engaging Community - Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
Inclusion - Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as cultural competence.
Communication & Influence - Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
Emotional Maturity - Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
- Minimum of 18 years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Participate in ongoing early childhood staff development
- Certifications required before working with children: Child Abuse Prevention Training, New Employee Orientation, all RI DHS and MA EEC requirements.
- Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen, RI DHS
Pre-service Health & Safety Training. This position must have the ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
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