Classroom Aide

Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The teacher’s aide will assist the teacher in the classroom and with related activities in accordance with the Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) regulations, as well as the Holyoke YMCA’s philosophy, policies, and practices.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing and we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

• Communication & Influence
  :
  Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
• Inclusion
  :
  Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making
  :
  Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.
• Functional Expertise
  :
  Executes superior technical skills for the role.
• Innovation
  :
  Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community.
• Program/Project Management
  :
  Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Developing Self & Others
  :
  Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
• Emotional Maturity
  :
  Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

• EEC teacher certification preferred
• Associate’s Degree preferred
• 3+ years experience working in an early education environment and committed to ongoing professional development.
• Current knowledge of and compliance with state and YMCA standards are regulations specific to early childhood education and the development of children.
• Ability to effectively interact with parents and children on a range of issues.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age‑appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• CPR/First Aid Certification within 3 months
• YMCA Leader Certification within 6 months
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Able to lift thirty pounds
• Able to sit on the floor with children