About this role
Position Summary: The Assistant Teacher supports classroom activities and daily care routines for the Westport Weston Family YMCA preschool program. This position helps create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children ages three through five learn through play and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The Assistant Teacher works with the teaching team and program administration to support positive family relationships, consistent child supervision, and high-quality programming that reflects the YMCA’s mission and core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Operations
- Assist the Head and Lead Teachers with daily classroom routines and care for children ages three through five.
- Prepare and assist with play-based activities, art, stories, music, movement, and outdoor exploration.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment for every child.
- Provide active supervision and accurate child counts during all activities and transitions.
- Prepare, clean, and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and activity spaces.
- Maintain accurate attendance and follow authorized pick-up and sign-in/sign-out procedures.
Leadership & Staff Support
- Follow classroom plans and seek guidance from the Head and Lead Teachers when additional support is needed.
- Participate in staff meetings, required training, and professional development.
- Communicate classroom needs and concerns promptly to the Head and Lead Teachers.
- Provide classroom support during staff transitions and assigned coverage.
Child Development & Behavior Management
- Build trusting relationships with children and support independence, confidence, and social skills.
- Use positive guidance, co-regulation, and developmentally appropriate behavior support.
- Adapt activities and care routines to individual developmental needs, abilities, and approved support plans.
Family & Community Relations
- Communicate respectfully with parents and guardians about children’s daily experiences.
- Refer sensitive concerns to program leadership and maintain confidentiality.
- Support family participation and a positive connection to the YMCA community.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow YMCA policies, applicable Connecticut Office of Early Childhood requirements, and health and safety procedures.
- Monitor classrooms, outdoor spaces, and materials for safety concerns and report hazards promptly.
- Follow emergency procedures and report injuries, incidents, and suspected child abuse or neglect as required.
- Follow approved allergy, medication, toileting, handwashing, meal, and rest-time procedures.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Complete assigned attendance, classroom, developmental observation, and incident documentation.
- Track classroom supplies and communicate replenishment needs within approved procedures.
- Participate in program planning, staff training, and classroom cleaning and reset days.
- Perform related duties as assigned by program leadership.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year of childcare experience required.
- No formal education or degree required.
- Experience supporting preschool-aged children and positive behavior guidance.
- Fluent in English and Spanish preferred.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Ability to support children with diverse developmental needs and backgrounds.
- CPR/First Aid/AED, Authorization to Administer Medication, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications, or ability to obtain as required.
- Successful completion of required background checks, screenings, and staff training.
- Meet applicable state licensing eligibility requirements for assigned duties.