UPK Teacher Assistant

YMCA UPK Teacher Assistant. The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester is looking for a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic UPK Teacher Assistant to join our Early Learning team. Position Type: Part-Time, 10-Month School Year Position Schedule: Follows the local school district calendar This part-time position supports the YMCA Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classroom during the school year. The UPK Teacher Assistant works closely with the Lead Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 35. Position Summary: Under the direction of the Director, Assistant Director of Early Child Care Services, and Lead Teacher, the UPK Teacher Assistant will assist with the delivery of a safe and developmentally high-quality educational experience for children in accordance with YMCA standards, New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten guidelines, and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations. Responsibilities/Duties. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: Assist the Lead Teacher with daily preschool classroom activities including academic enrichment, physical activities, arts and crafts, music, story time, lunch, and snack routines. Support classroom instruction and be prepared to lead activities in the absence of the Lead Teacher. Become familiar with New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten guidelines, YMCA Preschool program objectives, and OCFS regulations. Help create and maintain a safe, healthy, positive, and engaging classroom environment. Supervise children at all times while maintaining appropriate licensing ratios and safety standards. Support childrens social-emotional development while fostering the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Provide children with age-appropriate, nutritious snacks while following program guidelines. Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and general housekeeping duties. Maintain classroom documentation including attendance, health checks, participant records, and other required child care records. Complete incident reports for injuries or illnesses requiring first aid and communicate concerns with families and leadership as required. Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff while maintaining professional communication. Greet children and families by name whenever possible and provide a welcoming YMCA experience. Report classroom concerns, child needs, or program issues to the Lead Teacher and Early Learning Leadership Team. Work additional hours as needed for half days, snow days, school holidays, and program needs. Complete required NYS OCFS professional development training requirements. Follow all YMCA policies and procedures including child abuse prevention, emergency procedures, medical procedures, and behavior management guidelines. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age. Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Preschool preferred. Experience working with children ages 35 years old preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work as part of a team. Demonstrates maturity, responsibility, patience, and a genuine interest in working with young children. Knowledge of age-appropriate activities, child development, and preschool learning expectations. Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children. Demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity to childrens individual needs. Ability to build childrens confidence while maintaining a safe and secure classroom environment. Locations:(1)YMCA Hawthorne 170 Bradhurst Avenue Hawthorne, NY 10532 (2) YMCA North Salem 173 June Road North Salem, NY 10560 (3) YMCA Valhalla 2 Broadway Valhalla, NY 10595.