Assistant Teacher

Description Be Part of a Team That Helps Children Thrive Looking for a rewarding part‑time position where you can make a difference in the lives of children? The Alexandria Area YMCA is looking for a dependable, positive, and caring Assistant Teacher to join our Child Care team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with children of different ages and wants to be part of a supportive team. As an Assistant Teacher, you'll help create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow. You'll work alongside Lead Teachers and other Child Care staff, assisting with daily activities, routines, and care while gaining valuable experience in early childhood education. Position Details Position: Part‑Time Schedule: Monday-Friday | 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. No evenings or weekends Pay: $15.00-$17.00 per hour, based on qualifications Why Join the Alexandria Area YMCA? The Alexandria Area YMCA is committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our child care program provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn through play, exploration, and positive relationships. As a member of our Child Care team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups throughout the program. You'll work alongside dedicated early childhood professionals who support one another and are committed to providing exceptional care and meaningful learning experiences for every child. Whether you're beginning your career in early childhood education or looking to continue growing your experience, the YMCA offers a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued, your professional growth is encouraged, and the work you do makes a difference every day. Position Summary Working under the direction of the Child Care Director and Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher helps implement developmentally appropriate activities, supports daily classroom routines, and provides a safe, caring environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. This position may work with a variety of age groups throughout the Child Care program and works collaboratively with Lead Teachers to provide high‑quality care while maintaining Minnesota licensing requirements and YMCA standards. Essential Responsibilities Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing engaging, age‑appropriate learning activities and daily routines. Help create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing classroom environment. Encourage children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through positive interactions and play. Maintain active supervision while ensuring children's health and safety. Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff members. Communicate professionally with parents regarding their child's daily experiences and development. Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and daily documentation. Support compliance with Minnesota DHS licensing requirements and YMCA policies. Step into additional classroom responsibilities when the Lead Teacher is unavailable, as assigned. Part‑Time Benefits Paid Time Off (PTO) Free YMCA Family Membership Discounts on YMCA Programs Mental Health Benefits – including free mental health sessions Professional Development Opportunities Work‑Life Balance Requirements Meet Minnesota DHS Assistant Teacher qualifications. Have some post‑secondary education, preferably in Early Childhood Education or a related field, and/or experience working in a licensed early childhood setting. Demonstrate patience, compassion, and a genuine passion for working with children. Have a strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. Possess strong communication and teamwork skills. Be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification. Successfully complete all required background studies and licensing requirements. Physical Demands Must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and may be required to lift children and light equipment (5-50lb). Must be in constant awareness of the children’s safety, ensuring that activities follow rules and regulations which limit risk to the participants. Must be able to speak and hear clearly. Must be able to reach, lift, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed. Must dress appropriately for indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year. Ready to Make a Difference? If you're passionate about working with children and want to be part of a collaborative, mission‑driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Alexandria Area YMCA and help create a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. EEO Statement The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr Alexandria Area YMCA