Substitute Early Educator

Greater Burlington YMCA; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Discounts on programs and camps

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Burlington seeks Substitute Early Educators to create a nurturing environment for infants and toddlers. Ideal candidates will have a passion for early childhood education and be ready to engage with children in various activities. This position offers flexible hours, supporting teachers during their time out of the classroom while ensuring safety and promoting developmental growth. Opportunities for professional development will also be provided, along with a free membership and program discounts.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• At least one year of experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom activities as directed by teachers.
• Ensure the safety of children during play and activities.
• Engage with children in indoor and outdoor play.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Ability to supervise children

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

Do you love working with infants and toddlers, creating a warm and nurturing space where they feel safe, loved, and ready to explore? This position is ideal for individuals who want to work with children in early education, but with a flexible schedule. Substitute Early Educators will be called in as needed and do not have a set schedule. The main duties of the position are to cover teachers’ time out of the classroom. This role requires reliability, dependability, and availability by phone. It’s perfect for those considering a career in early childhood education or looking for flexible hours!

• Y Perks – Free YMCA membership and discounts on programs and camps.
• Growth Opportunities – Ongoing professional development and career advancement.
• The City is Our Playground – Our location in the heart of Burlington means children get hands‑on learning experiences exploring the waterfront, beaches, woods, and Church Street.

What You'll Do:

• Support Classroom Activities – Work with teachers to implement high‑quality early childhood programs that align with the philosophy and goals of YMCA childcare.
• Ensure Safety – Supervise all activities to guarantee the safety and well‑being of each child, whether indoors or outdoors.
• Engage in Play – Participate in indoor and outdoor play activities, keeping children engaged and safe at all times.
• Assist in Special Activities – Help teachers with swim lessons, gym lessons, and field trips, providing support and ensuring safety.
• Build Relationships – Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with families, respecting their diverse backgrounds and parenting styles.
• Support Children’s Needs – Communicate any child concerns with the classroom teacher and/or director before informing parents or guardians.
• Rest Time – Create a calm and restful environment during nap time, offering quiet activities and support for children who may not sleep.
• Adapt Learning Activities – Assist in adapting activities and materials to meet the developmental needs of each child.
• Maintain Classroom Environment – Work with the teaching team to keep the classroom neat and organized, and help with the maintenance of equipment and materials.
• Licensing Compliance – Assist in maintaining all relevant state Child Care Licensing requirements and ensure adherence.
• Professional Development – Complete required professional development, including at least 18 hours of training per year, as per licensing guidelines.
• Confidentiality – Always maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

What You Bring:

• A passion for early childhood education and working with young children.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
• A drive to support and nurture each child’s development while working closely with families.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of experience working with children.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well‑being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ability to effectively supervise and ensure the safety of children by maintaining visual and auditory awareness in various environments, including classrooms, outdoor play areas, and other program spaces.
• Ability to lift, carry, or support children up to 35 pounds as needed for care, safety, and engagement.
• Ability to engage in active participation in all aspects of the program, including assisting with activities such as swimming and gym lessons. This may involve frequent movement, such as kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to the physical and emotional needs of children, including in emergency situations.