POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the ECDC Classroom Teacher and in accordance with the Christian principles of the YMCA, the ECDC Assistant will provide developmental care and supervision to children enrolled in the ECDC Center; follow age appropriate curriculum for children; establish and maintain supportive relationships with children and parents; and provide a quality experience to children and parents that focus on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

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 Assistant Teacher at the Edwardsville YMCA ECDC intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintain a professional, respectful, positive attitude towards employees, members and participants in YMCA programs.
2. Exemplify the core mission values of the YMCA while performing all duties.
3. Complete required YMCA trainings according to Edwardsville YMCA employee policy
4. Follow curriculum within the established guidelines.
5. Follow daily lesson/activity plans.
6. Use positive discipline and guidance techniques.
7. Provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy, and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
8. Communicate with parents on a daily basis with respect and dignity.
9. Arrive on time for each assigned shift, prepared for indoor and outdoor activities.
10. Give full focus to the children, free of distractions such as cell phones and personal issues.
11. Update the ECDC Teacher, Assistant Director, or Director on any important developments regarding the child or parent of a child in their room.
12. Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities.
13. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
14. Maintains required program records.
15. Provide all signed documents, paperwork and documentation required by Illinois State Licensing requirements, including status as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect.
16. Attends and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training as required.
17. Participate in activities leading to professional growth in child development and education, and in training related to the specific needs of the children served with at minimum of 15 clock hours of such training per year.
18. Enroll in the Illinois Gateway to Opportunity Registry
19. Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Advancing our Mission and Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all the resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community.

Building Relationships: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all the resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community.

Leading Operations: Ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community.

Developing and Inspiring People: Support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y's cause, sustain the Y's culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Illinois state licensing requires that employees must be at least 19 and have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
2. Previous experience working with children in a developmental day care setting preferred.
3. Ability to follow and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
4. Display superior relationship building skills and communicate effectively with a diverse group of employees, volunteers, children and parents.
5. First Aid and CPR certifications
6. Favorable criminal background and CANTS check
7. Submit medical exam upon hire that meets Illinois state licensing requirements.
8. Meet additional state licensing requirements
9. Complete required YMCA trainings according to Edwardsville YMCA employee policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient mobility to plan, lead and participate in activities, and perform additional duties of the position.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to respond swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Work will be performed indoors and outdoors and may require occasional travel.
• Must be able to coordinate a variety of large and small tasks simultaneously and handle tension and a stress in a positive manner