Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher

Servingschools; Rockport (ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Free YMCA membership

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Program discounts

Job summary

Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport, ME seeks a Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher to join our early childhood team. You’ll help children build confidence, learn through play, and partner with Lead Teachers in a warm, inclusive environment.

Qualities we value include compassion, reliability, and good communication with families. Requires HS diploma; CPR/First Aid/AED certification; training provided after hire; stipend of $240+/month is available.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification required; training provided.
• Commitment to providing safe, nurturing care.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision of children at all times.
• Assist Lead Teacher with planning and implementing age-appropriate activities.
• Support an inclusive, safe classroom environment and positive behavior expectations.
• Foster positive relationships with children and families.
• Participate in staff trainings and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Rockport, ME

Childcare

Description

Make a Difference Every Single Day

Do you believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, laughter, and discovery? Are you the kind of person who loves getting down on the floor to build towers, read stories, explore nature, make art, and celebrate life's little victories?

If so, we'd love to meet you.

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is looking for a Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher to join our amazing early childhood team in Rockport. Every day you'll help children build confidence, learn new skills, and discover the world around them, all while working alongside a supportive team that believes what you do truly matters.

Early childhood teachers don't just care for children, they shape futures. We believe every child deserves a strong start, and we're looking for caring, energetic people who want to be part of that mission.

• $240+ Monthly State of Maine Child Care Workforce Stipend (currently available in addition to your hourly wage)
• Monday-Friday Schedule Enjoy your evenings and weekends with family and friends—no nights, weekends, or holiday shifts.

What You'll Do

• Inspire curiosity through hands‑on learning and play.
• Help children learn, grow, and build confidence.
• Support engaging classroom activities alongside experienced Lead Teachers.
• Encourage creativity, kindness, and positive social interactions.
• Build meaningful relationships with children and their families.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Why You'll Love Working At The Penobscot Bay YMCA

A career with purpose where your work truly matters.

Competitive pay plus a $240+/month State of Maine workforce stipend.

• Generous Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance.
• 50% Discount on YMCA Child Care Programs.
• 20% Discount on YMCA Programs.
• FREE YMCA Family Membership (a $960 annual value!).
• Retirement plan with a generous YMCA employer contribution after two years.
• Every child deserves someone who believes in them.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• A commitment to providing safe, nurturing, and compassionate care
• A history of responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required; training will be provided for candidates who are able to successfully complete the certification course.
• Child Abuse Prevention Training within 30 days of hire
• Previous experience working with children in an early childhood or developmental setting preferred
• A willingness to work toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Infant/Toddler Credential
• The ability to create engaging, age‑appropriate learning experiences
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds is a plus
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment and supporting children of all abilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Working with young children is active, energetic, and rewarding! This position requires someone who is comfortable participating in all aspects of a busy early childhood classroom.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds multiple times throughout the day
• Frequently bend, kneel, twist, and move about the classroom
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons
• See and hear well enough to supervise children and respond to their needs
• Safely intervene when necessary to protect the well‑being of children
• Actively lead and participate in classroom activities, games, and learning experiences

Essential Functions

As an Assistant Child Care Teacher, you'll play an important role in creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Responsibilities include:

• Provide active supervision of children at all times to ensure a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing age‑appropriate educational activities that encourage learning through play.
• Foster positive relationships with children by encouraging curiosity, creativity, confidence, and respectful interactions.
• Support children with guidance, encouragement, and redirection using positive behavior management techniques.
• Observe children's growth and development and assist with ongoing documentation and developmental assessments.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom that meets YMCA, DHHS licensing, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Follow all YMCA policies, licensing regulations, health and safety procedures, and ADA accommodation requirements.
• Build positive, professional relationships with families while maintaining open and respectful communication.
• Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Assist with classroom housekeeping, daily routines, meal service, transitions, and other program responsibilities.
• Support the overall success of the Child Care program by performing other related duties as assigned.