Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Greater Burlington YMCA; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Professional Development

Time Off

Y Perks

Health Coverage

Loan Forgiveness

Growth Opportunities

The City is Our Playground

Job summary

The Greater Burlington YMCA is hiring an Early Childhood Teacher Assistant to help deliver a play-based, developmentally appropriate program for infants and toddlers in Burlington, VT. You will support lead teachers, help supervise activities, and promote a safe, nurturing environment while building strong relationships with children and families.

Starting pay is $18.36 per hour, with the potential to earn up to $20.20 hourly.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Ability to pass a federal background check and state fingerprinting.
• One year of experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Support a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers.
• Engage in indoor and outdoor play, ensuring children remain active and involved.
• Help with swim lessons, gym time, and field trips to enrich children's learning experiences.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.
• Create a calm, restful atmosphere during rest time and provide support to children who do not nap.
• Assist in maintaining a neat, organized classroom and ensuring licensing requirements are met.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Skills

Experience with children

Background check cleared

Team collaboration

Education

VT Fundamentals Course

CDA Certification

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor degree in any field

12 college credits in child development

Job description

Join the Greater Burlington YMCA

Join the team at the Greater Burlington YMCA and you could qualify for a $1500 new-hire incentive with $500 paid after six months of employment, $500 after 12 months, and $500 after 18 months. You'll also be helped to navigate and achieve your Early Childhood Education certifications, so you can take the next step in your career journey, absolutely free. Certain restrictions apply.

The Greater Burlington YMCA is seeking an Early Childhood Teacher Assistant who is passionate about learning through play and ready to create a welcoming, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. This role is essential in supporting the Ys mission to foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Submit your application today!

Why You'll Love Working with Us

Do you love working with children, creating a warm and nurturing space where they feel safe, loved, and ready to explore? At the Y, we value early childhood professionals and provide the support and benefits you deserve.

• Competitive Pay Earn $18.36-$20.20/hour based on your
• Professional Development Enjoy 8 in-service days dedicated to training, team meetings, and curriculum planning.
• Time Off Get 14.5 paid vacation days, 6 paid holidays, and 3 weeks of Paid Time Off in your first year.
• Balanced Workload Dedicated planning time each week.
• Y Perks Free YMCA membership and discounts on programs and camps.
• Health Coverage Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Loan Forgiveness Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Growth Opportunities Ongoing professional development and career advancement.
• The City is Our Playground Our location in the heart of Burlington means children get hands-on learning experiences exploring the waterfront, beaches, woods, and Church Street.

About Our Center

At the Greater Burlington YMCA, we offer a play-based, emergent curriculum driven by each child's natural curiosity and interests. With locations in both Burlington and Winooski, our early childhood programs celebrate the unique identities of children and families, nurturing social-emotional growth through meaningful play and authentic connections. At The Y, We Support Social/Emotional Growth, Celebrate Diversity, Foster Curiosity, and Strive to Inspire and be Inspired.

What You'll Do

• Assist teachers in implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Support a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers.
• Engage in indoor and outdoor play, ensuring children remain active and involved.
• Help with swim lessons, gym time, and field trips to enrich children's learning experiences.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.
• Create a calm, restful atmosphere during rest time and provide support to children who do not nap.
• Assist in maintaining a neat, organized classroom and ensuring licensing requirements are met.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to be eligible for the starting rate of $18.36/hour. Additional compensation is determined based on experience and education aligned with the preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a federal background check and state fingerprinting
• One year of experience working with children

Preferred Qualificati Ons

• Completion of a VT Fundamentals Course or at least 3 college credits in child development
• Certificate of completion of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
• Full-time experience working with children or youth in an educational, recreational, or programmatic setting, with milestones recognized at 2, 5, 10, and 15+ years.
• Completion of twelve college credits in child or human development or school age care and education.
• Associate or bachelors degree in any field.
• Formal training or certification experience in trauma-informed care, basic specialized care, or social work. Including completion of professional development or coursework in trauma-informed practices.
• 2+ years of direct full-time experience in special education or behavioral intervention.
• Coursework or certification in special education or behavioral intervention.
• Completion of DEI-specific training.