Assistant Teacher II (Cross Island YMCA)

Summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all. 

The Cross Island YMCA is seeking an Assistant Teacher who will supports the Head Group Teacher/Group Teacher with the planning, development, and implementation of lesson plans and classroom activities, student assessments, work sampling, parent/family engagement, classroom management, and adherence to all internal and external policies and procedures.
 

Qualifications

• High School diploma/GED and/or a study plan required.
• Teacher Assistant certificate preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with young children in a group setting.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.

Duties

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Assist the Head Group Teacher/Group Teacher with planning, developing, and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons and activities, including, but not limited to, literacy, arts, math, cooking, science, outdoor/indoor recreation, field trips, etc.
• Assist the Head Group Teacher/Group Teacher with the planning, development, and implementation of student assessments and work sampling.
• Guide students in their academic growth.
• Actively communicate with and engage parents/guardians and families, and work with the Head Group Teacher/Group Teacher on effective communication strategies.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Early Childhood Learning Center and the YMCA Branch.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment by reporting and/or removing all potential hazards and by setting up spaces and materials that focus on supporting child learning.
• Prepare food for children and maintain a family-style setting for eating conducive to language, cognitive, and social development, as well as the development of healthy habits.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, including, but not limited to, incident/accident/behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign-in/sign-out sheets, development/growth forms, documentation of eating and sleeping, parent/guardian surveys, etc.
• Maintain equipment, storage, and supply inventory, as needed.
• Ensure that all YMCA of Greater New York, Department of Health, and Department of Education (if applicable) guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.