Early Learning Center Teacher Aide

ymcapkccareers; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision options

Life and Disability Insurance

YMCA membership

Paid vacation

Holidays and sick leave

403(b) retirement plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties in Tacoma, WA, is seeking a caring Early Learning Site Aide to join the New Adventures Early Learning Center. This year-round, full‑time role assists the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing early learning services and programs.

The position emphasizes classroom support, safety, licensing compliance, and productive family engagement. A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion is required, with growth opportunities and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• At least 1 year of experience in an Early Learning Center.
• Willing to obtain an Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate.
• CPR, First Aid, TB Test, Food Handler’s Card and related credentials are required or obtainable.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and values; inclusive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in planning, organizing and implementing center services and programs.
• Maintain site, equipment and cleanliness per procedures and licensing standards.
• Engage children at all times and encourage a fun, inclusive learning environment.
• Establish positive relationships with parents and communicate effectively with leadership.
• Support curriculum implementation and multicultural, child-centered activities.
• Participate in family nights and program activities.
• Complete required training, background checks, and forms.

Skills

Early learning

Childcare experience

Flexible/adaptive

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate (or willingness to obtain)

CPR/First Aid Certification

TB Test

Food Handler’s Card

Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a caring and positive Early Learning Site Aide to join our team at the New Adventures Early Learning Center in Tacoma, WA.

The YMCAfocuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Early Learning Site Aide is a year-round position responsible assisting the Lead Teacher in planning, organizing, and implementing Early Learning Center services and programs. This is an intermediate level childcare position which works under the direction of the Lead Teacher.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining site and equipment, including properly implementing proper cleaning procedures and upkeep of equipment.
• Attend and participate in family nights and program activities as applicable and agreed upon.
• Maintain positive public relations with members and always represent the best interests of the YMCA.
• Establish and maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents.
• Engage children at all times and maintain program/site in compliance with state licensing standards.
• Assist with maintaining cleanliness and order in facilities, schools, and community sites.
• Treat every participant fairly and equally regardless of circumstances and abilities, making each feel good about themselves and encouraging a fun environment.
• Greet all parents to establish a friendly rapport.
• Follow the guidelines, policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, Child Abuse Prevention and emergencies in the YMCA Staff and Parent Handbooks, and Association Staff Handbook. Understand knowledge and guidelines of Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Complete all required forms daily and monthly.
• Communicate effectively with Site Leaders, Site Directors, and Program Directors.
• Support Site Director in the implementation of curriculum providing an integrated, child centered and comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities
• Assume other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with supervisor.
• Staff will be responsible for frequent touchpoint cleaning and sanitizing in specific areas.
• Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
• Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• One or more years of experience in an Early Learning Center is required.
• Have or are willing to obtain an Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate.
• Possesses (or able to obtain): CPR, First Aid, TB Test, Food Handler’s Card, Child Care Basic STARS, proof of MMR vaccine, Merit account.
• Must be flexible and adapt to meet the needs of the children and program.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA.
• Must have a desire to have fun, engage with children and inspire creativity.
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able up to lift 50 lbs. and move quickly to engage with the children.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• Able to pass Background, Reference and DCYF background checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• Able to complete Child Abuse Prevention training on the first day of employment as well as other online/in-person training as required.

Wage:

$17.51 to $20.39 per hour, (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Hours:

Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week

Location:

New Adventures Early Learning Center, Tacoma, WA

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options
• YMCA provided Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• YMCA Household Membership
• Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with ears of service)
• 8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year
• Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness and discount programs
• Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
• Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement savings plan
• 8% monthly employer contribution to your YMCA pension plan after 2 years of Full-Time employment
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services, and merchandise
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for Full-Time employees

Please note that employment with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer requirements, which may include age verification, reference checks, and state and national background checks. All inquiries and checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled