Substitute Early Educator

Greater Burlington YMCA; Winooski (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

An established community organization in Winooski is seeking a Substitute Early Educator. This position involves creating a nurturing environment for infants and toddlers while working closely with teachers to implement early education programs. Ideal candidates should be passionate about child development and have strong communication skills. Flexibility is key, as the role entails covering for teachers as needed. The organization offers professional growth opportunities and a free membership.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• One year of experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom activities by implementing early childhood programs.
• Ensure safety during all activities.
• Engage children in play activities.
• Assist with special activities like swim and gym lessons.
• Maintain positive relationships with families.
• Communicate children's concerns effectively.
• Create a calm environment during nap time.
• Adapt activities to meet developmental needs.
• Maintain a neat and organized classroom.
• Assist in licensing compliance.
• Complete required professional development training.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Passion for early childhood education

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Inclusivity

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.

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.

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.