Instructional Assistant

Job Category: Head Start - Early Childhood Impact

Requisition Number: INSTR
002394

Posted: September 20, 2025

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: On-site

Hourly Range: $28.12–$30.26 USD

YMCA Early Childhood Impact - Antioch

1203 W 10th St
Antioch, CA 94509, USA

We are seeking reliable, nurturing, career-minded staff for our Early Learning Centers. Serving children from birth to 5 years old, our infant and preschool programs provide high quality child care and holistic support for low‑income families, and work to ensure that all our kids are prepared for a lifetime of learning with the tools and support they need to thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY: Instructional assistants are responsible for supporting the caseload of the Inclusion and Mental Health Specialists. These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. YMCA staff provide high quality care and education that meets the needs of children by implementing services that are aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, rules and regulations determined by the California Department of Education Early Learning and Support and Special Education Divisions, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Community Care Licensing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support neuro‑diverse students (e.g. students with developmental delays and/or social emotional needs) in equitable access of curriculum (goals and activities in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks) and all daily activities.
• Assist in the implementation of the Positive Behavior Support Plans for children on your caseload either 1:1 or in small group.
• Build rapport and trust with child/children in your caseload.
• Foster a safe and nurturing learning environment.
• Assess child’s needs and provide intervention strategies noted in the Positive Behavior Support Plan to prevent or redirect challenging and unsafe behaviors (e.g. hitting, spitting, biting, eloping), while modelling and facilitating social interactions; providing direction, guidance, and visual supervision.
• Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.
• Instruct and monitor children in proper health and hygiene skills, assist in routine activities (e.g. toileting routines such as lining up, prompting toileting steps), hand washing, and tooth‑brushing.
• Have knowledge and adhere to Positive Behavior Guidance, YMCA Code of Conduct, YMCA Child Supervision policy to monitor children at all times and visually supervise children at all times.
• Have knowledge of and carry out all Health and Safety requirements according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with Teachers, Center Directors, Family Advocates, Inclusion and Mental Health staff, as well as other YMCA staff, as part of teamed support of child and family.
• Write daily intervention notes and collect ABC data to be submitted to Behavior Coordinator at the end of each work week. Maintain and organize binder containing these documents.
• Participate in meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth and to meet job expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 40…