After-School Program Assistant

YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester; Van Cortlandtville (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Professional development

Hands-on experience

School-based program

Growth opportunities

Job summary

The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester is seeking a caring After-School Program Assistant to support UPK classrooms in a school-based preschool program. This part-time, 10-month role follows the local school calendar and offers meaningful hands-on experience with young children.

You’ll work with the UPK teaching team to create a safe, engaging environment, support routines, supervise children, and reinforce YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience with young children preferred.
• Coursework or a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• CDA Credential in Preschool preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist UPK teaching team with daily after-school activities (arts, crafts, games, music, movement).
• Provide a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment for all children.
• Supervise children and maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, snack time, and rest periods.
• Encourage positive social interactions and social-emotional development.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, teachers, and YMCA staff.
• Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and safety regulations.

Skills

Child Interaction

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Dependability

Education

Early Childhood Education

High School Diploma

CDA Credential (Preschool)

Related Coursework

Job description

Position Type: Part-Time, 10-Month School Year

Schedule: Follows the local school district calendar

Hours: Typically 2:30 PM-6:30 PM

Pay Range: $17.00-$19.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Position Locations

Lincoln Titus Elementary School

10 Lincoln Avenue

Crompond, NY 10517

French Hill Elementary School

2051 Baldwin Road

Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Position Summary

The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester is a charitable, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities throughout Putnam and Westchester counties through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We are seeking a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic After-School Program Assistant to join our team and help provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for preschool-aged children.

This is a part-time, 10-month position that follows the local school district calendar. The After-School Program Assistant works alongside the UPK teaching team to support children's social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs during after-school hours.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist the UPK teaching team with daily after-school activities, including arts and crafts, games, music, movement, outdoor play, and other age-appropriate experiences.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment for all children.
• Actively supervise children at all times and maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
• Support daily classroom routines, transitions, snack time, rest periods, and activities.
• Encourage positive social interactions and support children's social-emotional development.
• Build positive and professional relationships with children, families, teachers, and YMCA staff.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, sanitizing, and preparation of materials.
• Help create an organized and welcoming classroom environment.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and applicable childcare regulations, including requirements related to child supervision, health and safety, emergency procedures, and child abuse prevention.
• Communicate questions or concerns regarding children, families, or the program to the UPK Teacher or Program Director.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with children and families.
• Participate in required YMCA training, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with young children is preferred.
• Coursework or a degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is preferred.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Preschool is preferred.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate activities and developmental needs of children ages 3-5 is preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Must demonstrate patience, maturity, dependability, and a genuine interest in working with young children.
• Ability to maintain a safe, positive, and supportive environment.
• Must be able to follow directions, communicate effectively, and respond appropriately to children's needs.

What We Offer

• Part-time, 10-month position following the local school district calendar
• Competitive pay of $17.00-$19.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
• Professional development and ongoing training opportunities
• Hands-on experience in early childhood education
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to work in a school-based preschool program
• Potential opportunities for additional hours based on program needs
• Opportunity to grow within the YMCA and gain valuable experience in early childhood and youth programming