Child Care Teacher

*Job Title: *Childcare Teacher *FULL TIME*

*Schedule: Full time* Hourly Monday through Friday

*SIGN ON BONUS: $500;* To attract and retain outstanding employees, the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA offers a *$500 Sign-On Bonus* for eligible full-time positions. Eligible employees will receive the sign-on bonus in four installments

* *Certification: YMCA will cover certification costs for qualified candidates.*

*Employee Benefits*

* Retirement Plan – 100% company-funded after 1 year of employment and meeting qualified hours.
* YMCA Household Membership – Free household membership plus 24/7 facility access with FOB.
* Childcare Discount – Discount for the first child enrolled after 1 year of employment.
* Lesson Discounts – Reduced rates for all children enrolled in swim lessons, gymnastics, and tennis lessons.
* 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan – Additional voluntary contributions available.
* Paid time off
* Paid Holidays
* Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Available
* 25,000 of Paid Life Insurance

*POSITION SUMMARY*

Early Childhood Teacher – Ages 2–4

*Do you love seeing a child's face light up when they learn something new? Do you enjoy helping little ones build confidence, independence, and new skills? If so, we'd love to meet you!*

The Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA is looking for a compassionate, energetic, and dependable *Early Childhood Teacher* to join our Early Childhood Education team, working with children *ages 2–4*.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference during some of the most important years of a child's development. You'll help children learn through play, build friendships, develop independence, and feel safe and supported while they're away from home.

Why You'll Love Working at the YMCA

*You won't do it alone.*
We believe great childcare starts with a great team. You'll work alongside other teachers and staff who support one another throughout the day.

*Support when you need it.*
We know that working with toddlers and preschoolers can be incredibly rewarding—and sometimes challenging! That's why we have *float teachers available to provide additional classroom support during busy or stressful times.*

*We invest in your future.*
Wisconsin State Certification is required for this position, but don't let that stop you from applying! *The YMCA pays for the required certification courses AND pays you for the time you spend completing them.* We'll help the right candidate get the training needed to begin a career in early childhood education.

Essential Functions

* Provide attentive, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care for children ages 2–4.
* Create a safe, welcoming, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment.
* Plan and implement age-appropriate learning activities that encourage creativity, curiosity, independence, and social-emotional development.
* Engage children in hands-on learning through play, art, music, movement, stories, and outdoor activities.
* Support children as they develop important skills such as sharing, communicating, problem-solving, following routines, and building positive relationships.
* Assist children with toileting, diapering, meals, and other daily care routines as needed.
* Observe children's development and communicate appropriately with families regarding their child's day and progress.
* Build positive and professional relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
* Complete required daily reports and classroom documentation.
* Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and inviting classroom.
* Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and professional development opportunities.
* Follow YMCA policies, Wisconsin DCF licensing regulations, and all applicable health and safety standards.
* Work collaboratively with other teachers and provide support in other classrooms as needed.

Qualifications

* Must be *18 years of age or older*.
* High school diploma or equivalent required.
* Must meet Wisconsin DCF 251 requirements applicable to the position.
* Previous experience working with young children is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate.
* *Paid certification and required training will be provided to qualified candidates.*

Knowledge & Experience

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

* Support program goals as outlined in the YMCA Childcare Policies and Procedures Manual.
* Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism.
* Be reliable, dependable, and committed to providing consistent care for children.
* Exercise mature judgment and sound decision-making.
* Communicate effectively and professionally with children, families, and coworkers.
* Work collaboratively as part of a childcare team.
* Use technology, including email, scheduling software, and digital documentation tools, for communication, reporting, and recordkeeping.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Early Childhood Teachers must be able to actively engage with children at their level throughout the day. This includes:

* Sitting and working with children on the floor.
* Walking, standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, and moving throughout the classroom.
* Running, jumping, and actively participating in indoor and outdoor play.
* Lifting children, classroom materials, and equipment as required by the position.
* Participating in outdoor playground activities and field trips as needed.
* Possessing the auditory, verbal, and written communication skills necessary to communicate effectively with children and adults.

CPR/AED certification is required and must be completed within *90 days of hire*.

All employees must complete YMCA-required *abuse prevention and mandated reporter training* within the required timeframe and remain current with all required certifications and training.

*If you're patient, playful, dependable, and ready to make a difference in the lives of young children, we'd love to have you join our Y family!*ll ongoing compliance training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 per week

Benefits:
* Childcare
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discount
* Life insurance

Experience:
* Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
* Are you DCF 251 certified for Assistant Teacher or Teacher (Preferred)

Work Location: In person