VPK Teacher Assistant – Morgan Woods Elementary – Tampa Metro YMCA Position Available In Hillsborough, Florida

VPK Teacher Assistant – Morgan Woods Elementary – Tampa Metro

YMCA 3.7 3.7

out of 5 stars 7001 Armand Drive, Tampa, FL 33634 Reporting to the Lead VPK Teacher and the Operations Director, the VPK Assistant Teacher supports the implementation of developmentally appropriate instruction to prepare children for kindergarten. This role emphasizes fostering emergent literacy, language development, and foundational math skills through engaging and interactive learning experiences. The Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher to create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment, assists in curriculum implementation, and helps with classroom management. Additionally, this role includes supporting children’s individual learning needs, maintaining program compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and engaging with families to enhance student success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports the Lead VPK Teacher in planning and conducting developmentally appropriate daily lessons and activities, assisting in guiding children’s behavior and learning through active engagement and curriculum implementation. Helps maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive classroom environment conducive to optimal growth and development. Ensures children are properly supervised during activities, handwashing, and toileting while following all emergency policies and procedures. Adheres to policies related to boundaries with children and families, ensuring a professional and safe learning environment. Follows procedures for managing high-risk activities, supervising children appropriately, and ensuring their well-being at all times. Reports any suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations, following mandated abuse reporting requirements. Assists in conducting developmental assessments and maintaining accurate records for licensing and funding requirements. Observes and documents each child’s health upon arrival and throughout the day, reporting concerns as needed. Greets each child and parent upon arrival, fostering positive relationships and effectively communicating with families. Participates in parent conferences at least twice per year to support discussions on child progress and address concerns. Assists in ensuring the program meets all local, state, and federal regulations, contributing to quality improvement efforts. Attends staff meetings, training sessions, and YMCA special events, engaging in professional development opportunities. Completes required abuse risk management training and follows all safety and child protection policies. Helps manage classroom supplies and materials, ensuring they are available and well-maintained. Supports the overall mission of the YMCA and the success of the program by performing additional responsibilities as needed.

Education/ Experience Required:

Must be at least 21 years of age or older. Minimum Child Development Associate (CDA); Associates or Bachelors in related field; AND/OR equivalent experience, preferred. 45 DCF Training Hours Florida VPK Insturctor Credentials (Instructor Emergent Literacy and Standards Course Requirements) Must have a minimum of one-year experience working in an early learning/preschool/childcare setting; licesened childcare experience a plus. Strong computer skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Any additional mandatory or assigned trainings.

Certifications/Trainings Required:

Must obtain within 30 days of employment and then maintain current certifications in CPR, AED, and First Aid. 45 DCF Training Hours preferred; or obtain within one-year of employment Maintain other required certifications as stated in the training matrix.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 includes, but not limited to: The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and authorized work phone/smart device. Ability to instruct and observe participants during program activities. The employee frequently is required to see, observe, and hear all participants, and make sound judgments and decisions. Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including, but not limited to, leading class, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting. Ability to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. Hear noises and distress signals in the program environment, including in the classroom and anywhere around the zone of responsibility. Must have flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Ability to lift and move a minimum of 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. This position requires reliable transportation and willing to travel, if needed. This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Full Time Benefits Summary:

20 days of Paid Time Off , increasing with service 7 paid holidays Employer-supported health, vision, dental insurance Tampa YMCA family membership $2,000 employer-provided assistance for qualified dependent care programs (before/after school care and camp) 20% off program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more) 30% off personal training Start at 403 (b) smart savings account through YMCA Benefits on day one of employment (optional) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through BayCare Behavioral Services (phone and online) Professional development opportunities through Y-USA trainings Retirement plan eligibility: After completing 1000 hours of service over two, twelve-month periods and at least 21 years of age, part-time and full-time associates are eligible for the Tampa YMCA to contribute 12% of your earnings to a 401(a) account. Once enrolled, the associate is immediately vested.

Association Summary:

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a top-rated ‘4-star’ Charity Navigator and Guidestar ‘Gold’ rated non-profit charitable organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Join a cause-driven association with a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being and providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. Learn more about the Tampa YMCA at www.tampaymca.org. 13 Family Center Ys, 65-acre outdoor adventure camp, Community Learning Center, two program centers, 27 afterschool sites, 18 Early Head Start sites Largest youth development and health & wellness provider in the region 223,000+ community members served 1,600+ staff members 600+ volunteers $40MM in revenue An independent 501(c) 3, locally-governed and managed Located in sunny Florida, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA offers an ideal location with beautiful weather affording a desirable setting for an active outdoor lifestyle year-round, is close to many beaches and theme parks and Florida is one of very few states that has no state income tax. The Tampa Y is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.