Early Learning Float (Princeton, IN)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Early Learning Teaching Staff, the Early Learning Classroom Float plays an important role in providing a safe, nurturing, engaging, and consistent environment for children throughout the Early Learning Center.  This position supports multiple classrooms based on daily program and staffing needs and must be adaptable, dependable, and comfortable building positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

OUR CULTURE:

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: 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.
• Complete required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Maintain high standards of program quality and safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures, child protection practices, health and safety requirements, and applicable Indiana child care licensing requirements.
• Provide coverage and support across classrooms for staff breaks, lunches, planning time, meetings, absences, and other staffing needs while maintaining required child-to-staff ratios.
• Assist classroom teachers with developmentally appropriate activities, routines, transitions, meaningful play, exploration, and learning experiences.
• Support children's social-emotional development through positive guidance, redirection, encouragement, and relationship-building.
• Actively assist with daily care routines, including meals and snacks, handwashing, rest time, and indoor and outdoor play.
• Help prepare, organize, clean and maintain classroom materials and learning environments.
• Observe children and communicate relevant information to classroom teachers and center leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and center events.
• Follow the appropriate dress code set forth by the association.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on program needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, move between classrooms and activity areas, and lift and carry children and classroom materials as necessary.
• Must have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity.
• Must be able to respond quickly to children and emergency situations while maintaining visual and auditory supervision.
• Perform routine classroom care and cleaning responsibilities.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 16.
• Must meet all applicable Indiana child care licensing requirements for the position.
• Previous experience working with young children in a child care, preschool, school, camp, or similar setting preferred.
• Ability and willingness to work with children of different ages and developmental levels and adapt to changing classroom assignments and daily program needs.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills.
• Dependable, patient, nurturing, and able to maintain a positive attitude in a busy early learning environment.
• Ability to effectively and actively supervise children and maintain awareness of the environment at all times.
• Must successfully complete all YMCA and state-required background checks, health requirements, orientation, and training. Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogen and New Employee Orientation training required before/on first day of working with youth.  CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen training required within 60 days of employment.
• Must have general knowledge of the YMCA’s mission and be able to convey it to the community.
• Able to work a flexible schedule during program hours, not exceeding 28 hours per week.