About the position
The Teacher Assistant (Daycare) position at YWCA El Paso del Norte involves working under the immediate supervision of a lead teacher to assist in a classroom setting for children aged birth to 12 years. The role is crucial in implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children. The assistant will engage with children in both individual and group settings, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment. This includes performing daily health checks, supervising meals and rest periods, and maintaining compliance with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) standards and YWCA policies. In addition to classroom duties, the Teacher Assistant will be responsible for record keeping and documentation of each child's development. Building positive relationships with parents and encouraging their participation in the classroom is also a key aspect of the role. The assistant will be expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times, accept guidance from superiors, and participate in required training sessions to maintain necessary certifications such as CPR and First Aid. Regular attendance is essential, and the assistant may occasionally take over the group in the absence of the teacher. This position is ideal for individuals who have a passion for working with children, possess patience and flexibility, and are able to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to make sound judgments and cope with emergencies.
Responsibilities
- Assist Teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth to 12 years old.
- Interact positively with children in individual and group settings throughout the day.
- Assist with classroom and record keeping in compliance with TDFPS and YWCA standards.
- Ensure compliance in the absence of the teacher.
- Perform daily health checks of children and safety checks of indoor and outdoor environments.
- Supervise meals, snacks, and rest periods to ensure healthy development.
- Provide positive guidance and appropriate discipline in the classroom.
- Maintain equipment and supplies for the curriculum and request replacements as needed.
- Document observed development of each child routinely.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and encourage their participation.
- Accept guidance and coaching from teachers and superiors.
- Conduct and attend required meetings and training sessions.
Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent required.
- Experience working with children in a care or educational setting preferred.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Willingness to follow direction from superiors required.
- Love of children, patience, stamina, and flexibility required.
- Ability to cope with emergencies and mediate disputes.
- Self-starter with creative energy and enthusiasm required.
- Well organized and able to handle multiple priorities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to work under pressure with interruptions.
- Ability to make sound judgments.
- Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
- Must acquire CPR, First Aid/SIDS, DFPS background check, FBI fingerprint, and food handling certifications prior to employment.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in Child Development (1 year preferred).
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
