Early childhood Nature Play Teacher

Clc Ymca; Maine; On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Health and dental coverage

Disability insurance

2x life insurance

YMCA membership

Program discounts

Job summary

Central Lincoln County YMCA is seeking staff to support community-building efforts through health, learning, and youth development programs. This role emphasizes safety, licensing compliance, and top-quality customer service in a welcoming environment.

Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years in related work, CPR/First Aid within 60 days, and strong interpersonal skills. The position requires flexibility, teamwork, and ability to multitask in a dynamic community setting.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a related field.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Team player with superb interpersonal skills and the ability to work with co-workers and the public in a positive, friendly manner.
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task, work independently, and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
• General computer skills and the ability to learn new software.

Responsibilities

• Promote healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development in collaboration with the Department Director.
• Create and execute campaigns, programs, and curriculum while ensuring safety, licensing standards, and quality customer service.
• Lead and support assistants in lesson plan delivery in a structured learning environment.
• Supervise children in class and playground, manage group dynamics, and foster positive social skills.
• Assist children with dressing, grooming, and toilet training; provide emotional support.

Skills

Team player

Interpersonal skills

Self-starter

Multi-tasking

General computer skills

Education

High School degree or GED

Job description

For over 40 years, the Central Lincoln County YMCA has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for all. There is not a more exciting, cause-driven organization to belong to, raise a family in, work or volunteer for, or donate. Our connections to our community hold us together, offer support, and give us an important sense of belonging. The CLC YMCA, with an operating budget of over $3M and over 90 staff, is a thriving non-profit organization serving more than 3,800 members and program participants with a range of activities. Emphasizing the four core character development values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we are committed to strengthening our communities by nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We deliver subsidized services to adults and families in need and deserving children of the Central Lincoln County region.

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit to strengthen the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Department Director to promote healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.
• Works closely with the Department Director to create and execute campaigns, programs, and/or curriculum for the advancement of the YMCA while ensuring safety, licensing standards, and the YMCA's reputation and providing the highest level of customer service.
• Collaborates with other staff and leads assistants in preparation, setup, and delivery of quality lesson plans and activities in a structured, positive learning environment that fosters exploration and creativity.
• Supervises and actively engages with children in class and on the playground, manages group dynamics to minimize disruptive behavior, and fosters positive social skills.
• Assists children with dressing, grooming, and toilet training while providing emotional support and guidance.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment and keeps storage areas organized. Assists with cleaning as needed to assure children and families are entering a welcoming environment.
• Ensures proper hygiene and sanitization, including regular handwashing for children and staff, sanitizing food preparation and serving areas, disinfecting toys and surfaces, and properly disposing of diapers.
• Follows DHHS Childcare Licensing rules and safe sleep protocols in accordance with Childcare Licensing and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Conducts regular safety checks to remove hazards and makes ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all YMCA procedures and standards.
• Ensures children & staff are properly checked in/out of classrooms. Maintains accurate attendance records and sign-in/out sheets daily. Document all incidents and accidents in appropriate locations.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with children and their guardians, using positive language and active listening to address concerns. Greets children and families warmly each day. Communicates positively with guardians when sharing behavior and developmental concerns.
• As a Mandated Reporter, recognizes signs of abuse or neglect and reports to supervisor and the appropriate authorities. Monitors children for signs of illness and document as per policy.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs other tasks and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, pull, bend, and lift.
• The employee is also required to use hands and fingers to operate a standard computer keyboard or tablet; use a computer, mouse, printer, and copier; and speak and hear using a telephone.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee will lift and/or move up to up to 60 pounds.
• The employee must have the ability to transition from indoor and outdoor environments and withstand drastic changes in temperature and weather.

Work Environment

• Work is performed at a community campus that serves all people.
• Work is occasionally stressful and requires ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and successfully cope with the pressures which are related to the position.
• The campus facility is open early mornings, evenings, and weekends and the job may require attendance outside of regular business hours (9am – 5pm).
• The noise level can be all volumes.

Essential Experience and Skill Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in a related field.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Team player, with superb interpersonal skills. An ability to work with co-workers and the public in a positive and friendly manner and resolve conflicts as needed.
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task, work independently, and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
• General computer skills with the ability to effectively learn and use new software.
• MRTQ certifications within 30 days of hire.
• 18+ years old.

Essential Education Requirements

• High School degree or GED or working towards completion of high school.

Benefits

• The health and wellness of our staff is paramount, so we foster a culture of healthy living amongst our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes retirement, health/dental, disability, 2X life insurance benefit, YMCA membership, and program discounts