Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

This role is crucial to the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher supports the creation and execution of quality early childhood activities at the YMCA. This position involves helping each child's physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth. Along with the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher ensures a positive experience for children and parents, emphasizing achievement and belonging.

The role includes providing age-appropriate guidance and effectively implementing the daily curriculum. Regardless of your main classroom assignment, you'll assist with all age groups in the program.

No two days are the same in this role — but every day centers on creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive, while delivering high-quality programming and a positive experience for families.

• Help plan and lead age-appropriate lessons and hands-on learning experiences
• Provide active supervision to ensure children's safety and well-being at all times
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and team members
• Support and guide new staff within a collaborative team environment
• Maintain clean, organized classrooms and safe, welcoming spaces
• Ensure compliance with licensing standards and program expectations
• Complete documentation, including incident reports and child records
• Assist with developmental screenings and milestone tracking
• Step in where needed to support events, classrooms, and overall program success

If you're passionate about working with children, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy making a daily impact — this role is for you

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Starting at $17.25 per hour (includes $15.00 base rate and $2.25 grant-funded differential) Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly.

Note:

This position has a lead time of 6-8 weeks before placement.

Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.

Minimum age: 18 years

High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred

Experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred

Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate activities independently

Skilled in positive guidance and discipline, demonstrating emotional maturity, patience, and flexibility

Strong listening skills and responsiveness to children's needs

Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom

CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days

Current Praesidium Academy trainings

Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test

Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary)

Provide a minimum of 3 written references

Register with Gateways to Opportunity

Ability to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar year

Complete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFS

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y:
We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility