Youth Development Intern Preschool - Towson

300 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD 21204, USA

People who choose to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision to choose how they live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are motivated to help others and want to be part of something larger than themselves. Join our team and be part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well‑being for all, for a better future.

At the Y in Central Maryland we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, generous paid time off, along with medical, dental, and vision benefits, dependant care FSA, a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you’ll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Under the supervision of a Preschool Director, Lead Teacher or other assigned associate, the Youth Development Intern participates in a structured learning experience designed to provide exposure to Early Childhood Education and Youth Development practices within a Y Preschool. The internship complements the intern’s academic or workforce development program by providing opportunities to observe, learn, and apply foundational concepts of child growth and development in a supervised classroom environment.

• Participate in a structured internship experience that supports educational and professional learning objectives.
• Observe classroom routines, transitions, and daily operations to gain an understanding of Y Preschool program practices and expectations.
• Learn and apply principles of child growth and development through supervised classroom experiences.
• Participate in age‑appropriate learning activities under the direct guidance of classroom associates.
• Participate in coaching conversations, reflective discussions, and performance feedback to support continued learning and professional growth.
• Build relationships with associates and community members while demonstrating the organization’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Complete assigned learning activities, documentation, and internship requirements as outlined by the internship agreement or educational institution.

Mission Advancement
Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund‑raising.

Collaboration
Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides associates with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Operational Effectiveness
Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds associates accountable for high‑quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth
Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non‑threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behaviour or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

• Must meet qualifications established by the Y in Central Maryland.
• Good character, professional demeanor, and the ability to follow directions, accept supervision, and communicate clearly.
• Current enrollment in a program for Early Childhood Education in high…