Summer Early Learning Enrichment Instructor

Ymcachicago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Summer Early Learning Enrichment Instructor at Lake View YMCA in Chicago, IL will implement enrichment activities for ages 2-5 when the lead teacher is absent, ensuring a safe and engaging environment.

Responsibilities include planning daily lessons, maintaining attendance records, and communicating with parents. Requires a high school diploma and 1-3 years of preschool experience; on-site schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30am–1:00pm with opportunities for growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED along with related college coursework and/or equivalent experience in a childcare, education, recreation or related program.
• 1-3 years’ experience working with preschool aged students.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills and ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
• Flexibility to care for children 2 years - 5 years, interact at their eye level, move quickly, monitor and assess situations.
• Ability to build rapport and to respect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the population served.

Responsibilities

• Provide a positive climate of prompt and consistent responsive and individualized care to help children develop secure relationships and attachment throughout the day including diapering/toileting meal and active play and floor times.
• Adhere to continuity of relationship practices and work with assigned group of preschool children applying best practices for Preschool.
• Provide a language rich environment which includes consistency in talking, singing and relating to children’s verbal and nonverbal cues, at eye level.
• Follow consistent routines and make certain the schedule for Preschool children is regular enough to be predictable, but flexible enough to meet their individual needs.
• Meet the individual needs of each child, at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire group to ensure the safety of each child whether in the classroom, outside or in common areas.
• Participate in required health and safety procedures to reduce the spread of germs for the sake of children, parents and staff.
• Integrate and assist children with special needs and adapt activities accordingly.
• Utilize routines as opportunities for strengthening development, learning, and skill growth.
• Positively interacts with youth, parents/guardians and other team members to create a respectful, warm, supportive environment.

Skills

Childcare experience

Preschool

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Category: Early Learning/Youth Dev.

Requisition Number: SUMME005525

• Posted : April 10, 2026
• Part-Time
• On-site
• Rate : $17.80 USD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Lake View YMCA
Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Description

The Summer Early Learning Enrichment Instructor is responsible for implementing a wide variety of enrichment activities in absence of regular lead teacher for early learners aged 2-5 in a program setting. Early Learning Enrichment Instructors play a key role in ensuring that program participants have a safe, supportive, interactive and enriching program experience while ensuring the safety, care, security and well-being of all program participants. Maintains communication with parents and implements curriculum and program requirements.

Pay is $17.80 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization

Schedule: Monday-Friday (3-5 days), 8:30am-1:00pm

Scope of Responsibilities

• Provide a positive climate of prompt and consistent responsive and individualized care to help children develop secure relationships and attachment throughout the day including diapering/toileting meal and active play and floor times.
• Adhere to continuity of relationship practices and work with assigned group of preschool children applying best practices for Preschool.
• Provide a language rich environment which includes consistency in talking, singing and relating to children’s verbal and nonverbal cues, at eye level.
• Follow consistent routines and make certain the schedule for Preschool children is regular enough to be predictable, but flexible enough to meet their individual needs.
• Meet the individual needs of each child, at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire group to ensure the safety of each child whether in the classroom, outside or in common areas.
• Participate in required health and safety procedures to reduce the spread of germs for the sake of children, parents and staff.
• Integrate and assist children with special needs and adapt activities accordingly.
• Utilize routines as opportunities for strengthening development, learning, and skill growth.
• Positively interacts with youth, parents/guardians and other team members to create a respectful, warm, supportive environment.
• Utilizes arrival/departure ensure to share information with parents/guardians and to build relationships.
• Prepares lesson plans on a daily and/or weekly basis outlining program activities, ensures materials and supplies are available and ready for program activities, and ensures all program areas and supplies are clean and well maintained regularly.
• Maintains accurate attendance, instructional and other records as necessary to meet program requirements.
• Maintain regular job attendance, professionalism in attire and demeanor, observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices.
• Support the YMCA’s mission and Hub operations as assigned.
• Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

• Provide individualized age-appropriate learning experiences that incorporates social emotional, cognitive and physical development, early language stimulation, literacy and integration of the arts
• Implement well-organized learning environments, with developmentally appropriate schedules, individualized plans, and indoor/outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for play and exploration among a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences.
• Respond quickly to children’s cues, different and personal needs, temperament styles, abilities, and cultures.
• Communicate regularly and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom, establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities and to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:

• H.S. Diploma or GED along with related college coursework and/or equivalent experience in a childcare, education, recreation or related program. Additional educational or experience requirements may be required based on program license requirements.
• 1-3 years’ experience working with preschool aged students.
• Apply early childhood development theory, curriculum and practices in daily activities and adapt to children’s individual needs and interests.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills and ability to tailor communication to different audiences.
• Flexibility to care for children 2 years - 5 years, interact at their eye level, move quickly, monitor and assess situations.
• Ability to build rapport and to respect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the population served. Must have the proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model for youth and staff demonstrating the values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.
• Commitment to and passion for the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission is required including a passion for working with diverse early learners.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor to YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago communication to multiple audiences.
• Ability to identify and leverage developmentally appropriate practices in conducting activities; ability to observe student behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Innovative

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Growth Opportunities

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Self-Starter

Inspired to perform without outside help

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.