Infant Assistant Teacher

Alexandria Area YMCA; Alexandria (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

YMCA family membership

Program discounts

Retirement plans

Mental health benefits

Professional development

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking an Infant Assistant Teacher to support our Child Care program at our YMCA location. Working under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, you will help implement developmentally appropriate activities, support daily routines, and provide a safe, nurturing environment for infants.

Ideal candidates have Minnesota DHS qualification, some post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education or related field, and a passion for working with toddlers.

Qualifications

• Minnesota DHS Assistant Teacher qualifications.
• Post-secondary education in ECED or related field, or experience in a licensed setting.
• Patience, compassion, and a genuine passion for toddlers.
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Successful completion of background studies and licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher with age-appropriate activities and daily routines.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and nurturing classroom.
• Support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through positive interactions.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure health and safety.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Communicate with parents about daily experiences and development.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and documentation.
• Support licensing requirements and YMCA policies.
• Step in for Lead Teacher when unavailable.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education or related field

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Help Build the Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a caring and compassionate Infant Assistant Teacher to join our Child Care team at our YMCA location. If you have a passion for working with infants, enjoy building meaningful relationships with children and families, and are looking for a workplace that values teamwork and professional growth, we encourage you to apply.

Position Details

• Position: Part-Time
• Schedule: Monday-Friday | 7:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
• No evenings or weekends
• Pay: $16.00-$18.00 per hour, based on qualifications

Why Join the Alexandria Area YMCA?

The Alexandria Area YMCA is committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our Child Care program provides a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and grow through play and positive relationships.

As a member of our Child Care team, you'll work alongside dedicated early childhood professionals who support one another and are committed to providing high-quality care and meaningful learning experiences for every child.

Whether you're beginning your career in early childhood education or looking to build on your experience, the YMCA offers a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued, your professional growth is encouraged, and the work you do makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Position Summary

Working under the direction of the Child Care Director and Lead Teacher, the Infant Assistant Teacher helps implement developmentally appropriate activities, supports daily classroom routines, and provides a safe, caring environment where infants can grow, explore, and reach important developmental milestones. This position works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to provide high-quality care while maintaining Minnesota licensing requirements and YMCA standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing engaging, age-appropriate learning activities and daily routines.
• Help create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing classroom environment.
• Encourage children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through positive interactions and play.
• Maintain active supervision while ensuring children's health and safety.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff members.
• Communicate professionally with parents regarding their child's daily experiences and development.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and daily documentation.
• Support compliance with Minnesota DHS licensing requirements and YMCA policies.
• Step into additional classroom responsibilities when the Lead Teacher is unavailable, as assigned.

Part-Time Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Discounts on YMCA Programs
• 401(a) and 403(b) Retirement Plans
• Mental Health Benefits – including free mental health sessions
• Professional Development
• Work-Life Balance

Requirements

• Meet Minnesota DHS Assistant Teacher qualifications.
• Have some post-secondary education, preferably in Early Childhood Education or a related field, and/or experience working in a licensed early childhood setting.
• Demonstrate patience, compassion, and a genuine passion for working with toddlers.
• Have a strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Possess strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification.
• Successfully complete all required background studies and licensing requirements.

Physical Demands

• Must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and may be required to lift children and light equipment (5-50lb).
• Must be in constant awareness of the children’s safety, ensuring that activities follow rules and regulations which limit risk to the participants.
• Must be able to speak and hear clearly.
• Must be able to reach, lift, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed.
• Must dress appropriately for indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about caring for infants and want to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Alexandria Area YMCA and help provide a safe, nurturing start for our youngest learners while making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.

EEO Statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.