Job Opportunities API

About This Role Join Our Team as a Teacher Assistant: The ideal candidate will assist the Head Teacher in providing a supportive, respectful, safe, and healthy environment for children enrolled in YWCA Hartford Region Early Learning Centers. This role involves implementing engaging activities that cater to the diverse needs and interests of a large group of children, fostering their growth and development. What You'll Do Essential Functions of the Job: Curriculum Delivery • Assists in developing and delivering a comprehensive curriculum that meets the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child, promoting their interests and abilities; • Collaborates with the Head Teacher to establish short and long-term goals for the improvement of class programs; • Implements individualized support plans to meet the unique needs of each child; • Engages directly with children through various activities, promoting their social, emotional, and cognitive growth; Classroom Management • Contributes to maintaining a well-organized, safe, and inviting classroom environment that adheres to accreditation standards; • Supports children in developing self-regulation skills through positive guidance and redirection; • Ensures adherence to YWCA Hartford Region’s Positive Guidance Policies; • Assists with daily tasks such as snack preparation, clean-up, and monitoring bathroom facilities; • Fosters positive relationships with parents through regular and responsive communication; • Assumes daily classroom responsibilities in the absence of the Head Teacher; Compliance and Reporting • Adheres to established protocols for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with OEC and YWCA Hartford Region’s policies; • Assists the Head Teacher in completing developmental observations and assessments as required; • Reports child-related incidents and completes Incident Reports within 24 hours; • Utilizes accountability and ratio sheets to ensure the safety and well-being of children, adhering to licensing and health standards; • Complies with CACFP procedures and documentation requirements; • Maintains student confidentiality according to YWCA Hartford Region policies; • Reports and documents work-related injuries to the Site Manager immediately; • Attends Sanctuary Training and other job-related trainings to stay up-to-date with best practices; • Performs other duties as assigned by the Head Teacher. Requirements Education: • High School Diploma or GED. Experience: • Demonstrated ability to develop engaging exhibits and activities for the classroom; • Basic knowledge of child development principles; and • Must be at least 18 years of age Certifications and Licenses: • CPR/First Aid certification or certification within two months of employment. Schedule: • This is a full-time exempt position. Standard hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 6:45 am – 6:15 pm. The work schedule and hours will be defined by the Department Head or direct supervisor. Due to the nature of the work, some evening hours may be required. Key Competencies: • Demonstrates a commitment to building professional relationships with stakeholders; • Shows an understanding of others and their perspectives; • Engages in personal and professional development; • Examines and challenges one’s assumptions and attitudes; • Maintains productive work relationships by considering multiple perspectives; • Recognizes the importance of life experiences in the workplace; • Effectively resolves conflicts; • Promotes a respectful work environment where concerns are addressed effectively. Nice to Have Preferred Qualifications: • Previous experience in a similar role or related field; • Relevant coursework or training in early childhood education; • Skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation; • Familiarity with YWCA Hartford Region’s policies and procedures; • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; • Ability to work effectively in a team environment; • Capacity to adapt to changing situations and priorities; • Willingness to learn and grow with the organization. Benefits • Benefits: • A career with YWCA Hartford provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or special part-time (intermittent). • Benefits may include: apply now, and ask the recruiter for more details! • Health Insurance - A group medical plan and group dental plan offers comprehensive coverage to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. • Long-term Disability - Eligible employees receive company-paid long-term disability insurance. • Short-term Disability - All eligible employees may elect short-term disability to cover the employee for 12 weeks, if disabled. This is an employee-paid option. • Life Insurance - A company-paid group life insurance plan is available to eligible employees. Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents. • Time Off From Work - Eligible employees receive ten paid holidays per year, paid vacation and personal time, as well as paid sick time. • Retirement Plan - All eligible employees are enrolled in a non-contributory pension plan after two years of employment. • Childcare Discounts - Employees receive discounts on childcare offered at YWCA Hartford Region. • EOE/AA