Assistant Preschool Teacher

Job Title: Assistant Teacher    

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt    

Job Type: Full-Time 

Reports to: Early Childhood Education Center Executive Director    

This position is eligible for a quarterly retention bonus based on the number of hours worked in the center.

Full-Time Benefits: 

• Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans 
• Access to a MNsure Navigator
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts available
• Long and Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
• Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller
• Paid time off (About 120 hours/year and starting with 40 hours)
• Paid parental leave
• Subscription to the Calm app
• Bereavement leave
• Paid holidays
• Team member referral program
• Employee engagement and appreciation activities
• Growth and development opportunities 
• Free parking
• Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged

Summary/Objective 
The Assistant Teacher is required to adhere and implement the mission, goals, and values of the Lake Superior YMCA within the local community. This involves delivering high-quality early childhood education in the YMCA service area. This position is responsible for instructional leadership, curriculum, and program activities. The Assistant Teacher supervises and guides a child’s development in a safe and healthy environment.  The Assistant Teacher’s schedule is set at the time of employment but are subject to change by the Early Childhood Education Director based on the needs of the Early Childhood Education Center.

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

• Ensures all federal, state, local, Lake Superior Y requirements comply and are followed.
• Supervises children, classroom, and all activities involving the Early Education Childhood Center.
• Assists in the infant, toddler, and/or preschool classrooms.
• Assists in developing daily lesson plans with the Lead Teacher.
• Instructs and supervise children for social and developmental activities.
• Helps feed children; prepare snacks and meals.
• Ability to take the lead role as teacher should Lead Teacher be out of the classroom for an extended period of time.
• Change diapers.
• Assists in parental and guardian conferences.
• Provides professional and timely communication with parents, guardians, and community.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity.   

YMCA Competencies

• Values: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values
• Community: Desire to serve others and fulfill community needs
• Inclusion: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions
• Relationships: Build rapport and relate well with others
• Developing Others: Take the initiative to assist in developing others
• Decision-Making: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another
• Change Capacity: Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory duties. Assistant Teachers work in concert with the Lead Teacher and Teacher Aides to ensure compliance and safety of children and program requirements.

Work Environment

This job operates in a typical classroom environment equipped with desks, chairs, toys, and other classroom equipment. Assistant Teachers will interact with children in early learning classrooms regularly for most of their day.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The Assistant Teacher will regularly be required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time position. The workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours will depend on needs of the center and extended hours may be necessary as needed to cover staffing during center hours.

Travel

Travel is not required for day-to-day operations. Travel may be necessary to attend trainings and conferences as required by licensing requirements.

Required Education and Experience

• Meets the requirements for Assistant Teacher qualifications set by the Minnesota Department of Human Services as found in section 9503.0033 subpart 1. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9503.0033/ 
• Must be CPR/AED and First Aid certified for adults, children, and infants. Training can be provided upon hire. Higher levels of certification are accepted. 
• Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be able to successfully pass Minnesota Department of Human Services Netstudy2.0 criminal background check.

EEO Statement

The Lake Superior YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment with regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.