An exciting opportunity to join our Universal Preschool team in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: http://gscymca.org

Somerville YMCA is seeking qualified Teacher Assistants who will assist the Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum. At the Y, our curriculum encourages learning through exploration and discovery, and promotes the development of a positive self-image. Our Teacher Assistants report to the Teacher and are responsible for assisting with Arts & Crafts projects, conducting “circle time”, helping during lunch/snacks and diapering/potty training (room specific). Our Teacher Assistants model positive social interactions and language, and implement positive class management techniques and strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of children in the program, by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Assist Head Teacher in creating and leading developmentally appropriate lessons and activities.
• Work as a supportive team member.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment, by reporting and / or removing all potential hazards and by setting up spaces and materials with a focus on supporting child learning.
• Maintain accurate program documentation including by not limited to incident, accident and behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign-in / sign-out sheets, development and growth forms; document eating and sleeping, as well as any areas of concern.
• Actively participate in all training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Other activities and duties as needed that address the ongoing health and well-being of our staff and members.
• Follow and maintain sanitary habits in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School diploma
• Minimum of one year of experience working with young children in a group setting.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.