Head Start Youth Development Apprentice - Baltimore City

The Y in Central Maryland; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland is seeking a Youth Development Apprentice to join our Towson location. This hands‑on learning role supports classroom teachers, contributes to curriculum implementation, and fosters development in children through positive, developmentally appropriate interactions.

Apprentices will receive coaching from experienced educators and engage in trainings to support growth, including CPR/First Aid, with emphasis on an inclusive and supportive environment for youth and families.

Qualifications

• High school senior, recent graduate, or adult learner with an interest in early childhood education or youth development.
• A genuine passion for working with children and a belief in their potential as competent and curious learners.
• Willingness to receive coaching and grow professionally within a supportive team environment.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching teams in creating a warm, responsive classroom where children are engaged and supported.
• Assist in planning and implementing curriculum and activities that promote development across social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical domains.
• Document children’s learning experiences and development through observations and displays.
• Provide support in meeting basic care needs including meals, hygiene, and safety.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, caregivers, and team members; model respectful and inclusive behavior.
• Complete required trainings such as CPR/First Aid and Child Abuse Prevention; comply with policies and regulations.

Skills

Passion for youth development

Strong communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Willingness to learn

Confidentiality and professionalism

Positive attitude

Job description

303 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD 21204, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, September 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Development Apprentice is a hands-on learning role designed for individuals passionate about early childhood education and youth development. Apprentices will be immersed in an engaging environment that respects young children as capable individuals, while also receiving coaching and feedback from experienced educators. This role supports classroom teachers, contributes to curriculum implementation, and fosters developmental growth in children through positive, developmentally appropriate interactions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Support teaching teams in creating a warm, responsive classroom where children are engaged and supported.

Assist in planning and implementing curriculum and activities that promote social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.

Document children’s learning experiences and development through written observations and visual displays.

Provide support in meeting the basic care needs of children, including meals, hygiene, and safety.

Build positive relationships with children, parents, caregivers, and team members, modeling respectful and inclusive behavior.

Complete required trainings including CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Youth Development coursework.

Ensure compliance with the Y’s Code of Conduct, state Office of Childcare regulations, and organizational policies.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement : Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund‑raising.

Collaboration : Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides associate with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness : Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets.

Holds associates accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth : Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non‑threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school senior, recent graduate, or adult learner with an interest in early childhood education or youth development.
• A genuine passion for working with children and a belief in their potential as competent and curious learners.
• Willingness to receive coaching and grow professionally within a supportive team environment.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and a positive attitude.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Exposure to fitness equipment, cleaning products, and pool environments.

Frequent interaction with members of all ages and fitness levels.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.

Additional driver’s license check, CPS, Criminal Background check, alcohol and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and maintain the minimum requirements of this position.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.