Preschool Teacher Assistant - Centennial

## Description

**ABOUT THE YMCA:**

Established locally in 1944, the YMCA of Southern Nevada is one of the region's longest-serving and most-respected nonprofit organizations. We are committed to helping people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and income levels - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity and that no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. From childcare to senior programs; sports to education; fitness centers to chronic disease management; and swim lessons to feeding the hungry, the Y is truly for all in its cause of holistically strengthening the foundations of this community.

At the YMCA of Southern Nevada we're committed to providing a superior work environment that offers challenges, flexibility, and fun. We have been repeatedly recognized as a Nevada Top Workplace by the Las Vegas Review Journal.

**POSITION SUMMARY:**

The YMCA of Southern Nevada is looking for an Assistant Preschool Teacher to help the lead teacher with managing classroom activities and encouraging the children throughout the day. This is a full-time in-person position located at the Centennial Hills YMCA.

**RESPONSIBILITIES:**

• To interact, initiate and encourage the children in the activities during the day.
• To help the children control behavior using a positive, appropriate approach and the YMCA’s behavior management technique.
• To maintain good communication with parents and help make each parent feel at ease within the school.
• To assist the teacher in planning activities for the group and to offer suggestions and information about the children when needed.
• To develop a cooperative and supportive attitude within the room.
• To assist the lead teacher in record keeping by passing on observations regarding the children’s health, behavior and development.

**ABUSE RISK MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS:**

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with children.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising children.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

**WHY WORK HERE?**

• 10 Paid holidays
• Generous PTO plan that increases with years of service
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• 10% Retirement Contribution\* and access to our 403(b) retirement savings account
• Annual merit increases for meeting performance goals
• Free YMCA Family Membership and program discounts
• Free summer camp and 50% off preschool for your children
• Become part of a collaborative team that includes dedicated maintenance staff, swim instructors, and children's fitness specialists - so you can focus on what you do best: teaching and nurturing young learners
• Opportunity to earn a college degree for free with one class per semester through Nevada's T.E.A.C.H. program
• Join an organization recognized as a Nevada Top Workplace
• Make a meaningful impact in your community

\*Automatic retirement contributions are made to employees 21 years or older after contributing 1,000 hours of service in each of two years.

**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 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. **We are service driven:** we go above and beyond to keep people coming back and apply a listen-first and solution-oriented approach to resolving conflicts. **We are safety focused:** we are proactive in keeping everyone safe and respond promptly to incidents as a team.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:**

• This job requires the following physical demands. Reasonable accommodation may be made.
• You will need visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
• You will need the ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• You will need sufficient strength, agility and mobility to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
• You will need to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. You will need to reach with hands or arms. You will also need to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• You will occasionally need lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• The noise level is usually moderate.

## Qualifications
**QUALIFICATIONS:**

• High school diploma and six semester hours of early or elementary childhood study required.
• Two years’ experience in the field of early or elementary childcare preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish/ English strongly preferred.
• Strong skills in: communication, leadership, judgment, and creativity.
• Minimum age of 18.