Assistant Teacher

Alexandria Area YMCA; Alexandria (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Free Individual YMCA Membership

Discounts on YMCA Programs

Mental Health Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a dependable, caring Assistant Teacher to join our Child Care team for a part-time role. You will help create a welcoming environment where children feel safe and encouraged to learn and grow, working with Lead Teachers and other staff.

This position offers Monday-Friday schedule 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., no evenings or weekends, and pay of $15.00-$17.00 per hour based on qualifications. Join a supportive team and gain experience in early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Meet Minnesota DHS Assistant Teacher qualifications.
• Experience in licensed early childhood setting preferred.
• Patience, compassion, and a genuine passion for working with children.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification.
• Successfully complete all required background studies and licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with engaging, age-appropriate learning activities and daily routines.
• 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 and ensure children's health and safety.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding 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.

Skills

Patience

Teamwork

Communication

Compassion

Education

Post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education

Job description

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 Individual YMCA 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.

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.