Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher - Rockland

Do you have a passion for nurturing young minds, being creative, and helping children discover new things? Join our team at the Rockland Harbor YMCA as a Full-Time Assistant Child-Care Teacher! This is an opportunity to shape the future by supporting youth development in a caring and inclusive environment-a role that is more important than ever.

Teachers, especially those in early learning, are the backbone of our society. Every child deserves a great start in life, and we work hard to uphold that mission at the Penobscot Bay YMCA.

Logistics:

• Daytime schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. (Keep your nights and weekends free!)
• New Hire BONUS of $500 for full-time teachers paid after 6 months of employment!
• This position also currently receives a $240 monthly BONUS from the State of Maine, in addition to base pay.

What You'll Do:

• Actively engage with children in daily classroom activities.
• Assist in planning and leading fun, age-appropriate lessons, with help from the Lead Teachers.
• Encourage creativity, curiosity, and positive social interactions.
• Provide gentle guidance and support to children as they grow and learn.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom space.
• Support child development through observations and evaluations.
• Work collaboratively with our teaching team and children's families.
• All in all, this position maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Benefits – PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, vision insurance, life & disability coverage, 50% on childcare programs, 20% discount on all other YMCA programs
• Retirement Program – Generous 10% match from the YMCA after two years
• Family Membership Perks – Enjoy a free annual YMCA membership ($960 value!)
• A Role That Makes a Difference – The PenBay Y is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive. Every day, you help us work towards that vision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises the children, the classroom, and all program activities.
• Facilitate age-appropriate, educational lessons daily under the direction of the Child Care Teacher.
• Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the Y; makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Be aware of and adhere to all YMCA policies, DHHS licensing regulations, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
• Provide appropriate guidance to children in need of redirection and relate well to children of all abilities.
• Assists in ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Participate in basic housekeeping duties during classroom time.
• Attends and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to provide safe and compassionate services, and a history of honest and lawful conduct.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Work towards a CDA or Infant/Toddler Credential
• Ability to implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lifting up to 40 pounds multiple times each day.
• Frequent twisting, bending, and kneeling.
• Exposure to the outdoor environment during all seasons
• With reasonable accommodations be able to see and hear well enough to respond to classroom needs.
• Control unsafe behavior if necessary.
• Ability to lead and participate in program activities.