Early Learning Enrichment Instructor

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO and paid holidays

403(b) plan with company contributions

Professional development

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Early Learning Enrichment Instructor to implement enrichment activities for preschoolers aged 2-5 in a program setting. You will support lead teachers and help create a safe, engaging classroom experience while communicating with families.

You will plan daily activities, adapt to individual needs, and uphold YMCA standards for safety, care, and inclusivity. This role emphasizes responsive caregiving, teamwork, and ongoing learning in a supportive

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED with related coursework/experience.
• 1-3 years’ preschool experience.
• Able to apply early childhood theory to daily activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Flexible to care for children 2–5 and adapt to needs.
• Build rapport with diverse families.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and values.
• Observe behavior and apply age-appropriate practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and developmentally appropriate activities for 2–5 year olds.
• Create a language-rich environment with routines and engagement.
• Prepare daily/weekly lesson plans and gather materials.
• Maintain attendance and instructional records.
• Collaborate with classroom staff and communicate with parents.
• Ensure safety and confidentiality at all times.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Preschool experience

Flexibility

Diversity awareness

Early childhood theory

Y Team competencies

Physical qualifications

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Early Learning Enrichment Instructor is responsible for implementing a wide variety of enrichment activities in absence of regular lead teacher for early learners aged 2-5 in a program setting. Early Learning Enrichment Instructors play a key role in ensuring that program participants have a safe, supportive, interactive and enriching program experience while ensuring the safety, care, security and well-being of all program participants. Maintains communication with parents and implements curriculum and program requirements.

Salary starts at $17.80 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization

Our Staff Is The Y's Greatest Asset. Our Teams Provide Valuable Skills, Knowledge, And Passion That Is Essential To The Contribution And Positive Impact In Our Communities, Which Is Why We Offer Y Employees Numerous Perks And Benefits, Including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope Of Responsibilities

• Provide a positive climate of prompt and consistent responsive and individualized care to help children develop secure relationships and attachment throughout the day including diapering/toileting meal and active play and floor times.
• Adhere to continuity of relationship practices and work with assigned group of preschool children applying best practices for Preschool.
• Provide a language rich environment which includes consistency in talking, singing and relating to children’s verbal and nonverbal cues, at eye level.
• Follow consistent routines and make certain the schedule for Preschool children is regular enough to be predictable, but flexible enough to meet their individual needs.
• Meet the individual needs of each child, at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire group to ensure the safety of each child whether in the classroom, outside or in common areas.
• Participate in required health and safety procedures to reduce the spread of germs for the sake of children, parents and staff.
• Integrate and assist children with special needs and adapt activities accordingly.
• Utilize routines as opportunities for strengthening development, learning, and skill growth.
• Positively interacts with youth, parents/guardians and other team members to create a respectful, warm, supportive environment.
• Utilizes arrival/departure ensure to share information with parents/guardians and to build relationships.
• Prepares lesson plans on a daily and/or weekly basis outlining program activities, ensures materials and supplies are available and ready for program activities, and ensures all program areas and supplies are clean and well maintained regularly.
• Maintains accurate attendance, instructional and other records as necessary to meet program requirements.
• Maintain regular job attendance, professionalism in attire and demeanor, observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices.
• Support the YMCA’s mission and Hub operations as assigned.
• Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

• Provide individualized age-appropriate learning experiences that incorporates social emotional, cognitive and physical development, early language stimulation, literacy and integration of the arts
• Implement well-organized learning environments, with developmentally appropriate schedules, individualized plans, and indoor/outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for play and exploration among a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences.
• Respond quickly to children’s cues, different and personal needs, temperament styles, abilities, and cultures.
• Communicate regularly and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom, establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities and to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Minimum And Preferred Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED along with related college coursework and/or equivalent experience in a childcare, education, recreation or related program. Additional educational or experience requirements may be required based on program license requirements.
• 1-3 years’ experience working with preschool aged students.
• Apply early childhood development theory, curriculum and practices in daily activities and adapt to children’s individual needs and interests.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills and ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
• Flexibility to care for children 2 years - 5 years, interact at their eye level, move quickly, monitor and assess situations.
• Ability to build rapport and to respect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the population served. Must have the proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model for youth and staff demonstrating the values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.
• Commitment to and passion for the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission is required including a passion for working with diverse early learners.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor to YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago communication to multiple audiences.
• Ability to identify and leverage developmentally appropriate practices in conducting activities; ability to observe student behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Child Abuse Prevention

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help