Pre-K Teacher Aide

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is hiring a part-time Pre-K Teacher Aide for our Head Start program. The Pre-K Teacher Aide provides support to the teaching team in planning and implementing learning experiences for children, maintaining the classroom, and managing children in accordance with the YMCA goals and curriculum plan.

We rely on the expertise, passion, commitment, and energy of our teachers and other team members to help us achieve our mission one child, one family, and one team member at a time. Our early learning programs create a child-centered environment that promotes learning, character development, healthy living, and positive, nurturing relationships. With a commitment to meeting accreditation standards and extensive training and development in research-based practices, you'll also learn and grow and positively impact our children, families, and communities.

The starting pay for this role is $17.14 per hour.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• We offer salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.

• 403(b) plan with company contributions after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.

• Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.

• A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.

• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Support plans of an effective child development program to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child enrolled
• Support children's safety through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures
• Support and implement routines for diapering, toilet training handwashing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities, in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with regulations and good child development practices
• Coordinate, implement, and monitor center plans for meeting and retaining children & families, including eligibility, recruitment, enrollment, and daily attendance
• Work as a member of the team to ensure continuity of children's care, curriculum, and quality in the classroom and center
• Participate in and support center efforts to recruit and enroll new children and families
• Maintain professionalism in attire and demeanor; observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices of the Early Childhood Profession, and mandatory reporting guidelines of the Abuse and Neglect Child Reporting Act

Requirements:

• Must have a High School Diploma with 12 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education with prior experience working with children
• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret documents such as policies and procedures
• Demonstrated understanding of child growth and development
• This position is a union position

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required