Preschool Teacher Assistant; Locations

As a thought‑leader and best‑in‑class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community‑building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non‑profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.

At the Y, we’re an association of like‑minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone—especially children—experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre‑K, with high‑quality literacy and STEAM‑infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities;

provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Preschool Teacher Assistant is responsible for working cooperatively with the Preschool Lead Teacher in planning and conducting learning experiences and activities and assists in the day‑to‑day management of an assigned classroom.

• Organize classroom space into functional areas in collaboration with the teacher.
• Maintain a clean and healthy classroom environment.
• Maintain a safe environment—both indoor and outdoor.
• Keep the classroom arranged in an orderly manner with materials readily accessible to the children.
• Provide constant supervision of children during all activities—indoors and outdoors.
• Observe physical conditions of children and make referrals to the teacher when necessary.
• Make observation and assessment of children in each developmental area using the designated developmental screening and ongoing assessment process.
• Refer children with suspected problems to the teacher.
• Provide input into the evaluation of each child’s progress on an ongoing basis.
• In collaboration with the teacher, prepare lesson plans, materials and environment in advance that are organized, interactive, appropriate, clean, safe, and hands‑on.
• Follow the daily schedule in conducting activities that are appropriate for the individual developmental levels of all children.
• In the absence of the teacher, assume primary responsibility for classroom management.
• Provide a variety of art media and allow for creative expressions.
• Display children’s work at eye level in the classroom, hallway, etc.
• Conduct individual, small, and large group activities.
• Present activities or concepts in sequential order.
• Plan and participate in the provision of a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
• Communicate to the teacher the need for additional supplies.
• Use available community resources and field trips for classroom enrichment.
• Make home visits and conduct parent‑teacher conferences during the school year.
• Establish classroom rules with teachers that are appropriate for the age level of the child.
• Maintain order in the classroom using positive approaches to behavioral management.
• Provide for smooth transition from one activity to another.
• Attend and participate in team, site, and agency‑required meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
• Ensure that site‑appropriate health, safety, classroom organization, classroom aesthetic and sanitation guidelines are followed.
• Follow all mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries.

• CDA program or a degree program that will be earned within two years of hire.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry objects or children up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check including criminal record check, drug screening, motor vehicle record, and reference check according to company policy.
• Must be legally eligible to…