Program Assistant Jobs in Birmingham, AL

YWCA Central Alabama

YWCA Central Alabama is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We work every day to make positive impacts in the community by responding to the needs of women, children, and families.

Job Title:

Program Assistant Childcare Development Center

Reports To:

Senior Director of Childcare Development Center

Classification:

Full-Time

Position Summary

The Program Assistant supports the daily operations of the Childcare Development Center by assisting teachers and administrative staff in providing a safe, nurturing, educational, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. The Program Assistant assists with classroom activities, child supervision, documentation, communication, and general program operations while promoting the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children.

The Program Assistant is expected to maintain a professional, respectful, and child-centered approach at all times and comply with all center policies, licensing requirements, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Child Supervision and Care

• Assist teachers with the supervision and care of children throughout the school day.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Assist with arrival, dismissal, transitions, meals, nap/rest periods, and outdoor activities.
• Monitor children to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Assist children with age-appropriate personal care needs while maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect.
• Follow established procedures for responding to accidents, injuries, illnesses, emergencies, and other safety concerns.
• Report concerns regarding a child's health, safety, behavior, or development to the appropriate supervisor.

Classroom and Educational Support

• Assist teachers with implementing age-appropriate learning activities and lesson plans
• Prepare classroom materials, learning centers, supplies, and activities
• Participate in educational, recreational, arts and crafts, music, reading, and physical activities
• Encourage children's participation and positive interactions with peers
• Support activities that promote language, communication, social-emotional development, problem-solving, and motor skills
• Assist with maintaining an organized and stimulating learning environment

Family and Community Relations

• Assist with family recruitment and enrollment
• Support orientation and communication with new and current families
• Maintain positive relationships with families and community partners
• Prepare newsletters, program communication, and correspondence
• Maintain confidential student and family records
• Maintain the tracking of parent payments and program documentation

Administrative and Program Support

• Assist with maintaining accurate classroom and program records as assigned
• Help prepare and organize educational materials and supplies
• Assist with classroom inventories and maintaining adequate supplies
• Complete assigned documentation in a timely and accurate manner
• Assist with special events, parent activities, field trips, and center-wide programs
• Support the Childcare Development Center Administrator/Director and teaching staff with other program-related duties as assigned

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Follow all childcare center policies, procedures, and established safety practices
• Maintain confidentiality concerning children, families, and center operations
• Follow applicable childcare licensing requirements and organizational standards
• Maintain appropriate supervision and child-to-staff ratios as required
• Follow sanitation, hygiene, infection-control, and food-safety procedures applicable to the position
• Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, safety hazards, or other concerns in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development activities

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional and positive relationships with children, parents/guardians, coworkers, and community partners
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with children and adults
• Demonstrate patience, compassion, dependability, and sound judgment
• Serve as a positive role model for children
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when interacting with children and families
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of children and families
• Work cooperatively with teachers, administrators, and other staff members

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, unless a higher level of education is required by applicable childcare licensing regulations
• Ten years of classroom experience working with children
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents/guardians, and staff
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to demonstrate patience and appropriate judgment when working with young children
• Must meet all applicable background checks, health, training, and licensing requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a childcare, preschool, daycare, Head Start, or early childhood education setting
• Coursework or education in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, Education, or a related field
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate classroom practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic child development principles
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Patience and compassion when working with children
• Ability to maintain a safe and positive environment
• Ability to work effectively with diverse children and families
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Organization and attention to detail
• Dependability and punctuality
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations
• Ability to recognize and appropriately report concerns involving child safety or well-being
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Basic computer and documentation skills

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, and move throughout the classroom and childcare facility
• Lift, carry, and assist young children when necessary and permitted by policy
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities with children
• Move quickly when necessary to ensure the safety of children
• Perform routine classroom cleaning and organization
• Maintain sufficient physical mobility and stamina to adequately supervise children

Work Environment

The Program Assistant works primarily in a childcare classroom and may also work in outdoor play areas, common areas, offices, and other locations within the center. The position may involve exposure to typical childcare-related conditions, including noise, frequent movement, and contact with children who may have minor illnesses.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate conduct at all times
• Follow all organizational policies and childcare regulations
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Maintain confidentiality
• Work cooperatively with colleagues
• Demonstrate reliability and punctuality
• Participate in required training and professional development
• Promote a positive experience for children and their families