Teaching Assistant- Toddler

Metro YMCAs; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

403(b) plan

Professional development opportunities

YMCA facility access

Job summary

West Essex YMCA seeks a motivated Teaching Assistant for Toddlers to join our licensed early childhood program. You will support the Lead Teacher with implementing age-appropriate curriculum, supervise activities on the floor and at tables, and help maintain a safe, nurturing classroom aligned with YMCA values.

You’ll engage families with positive communication, participate in staff trainings, and step in for the Lead Teacher when needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred.
• 1–2 years related experience in a group setting with preschool children.
• Experience assisting with curriculum implementation and teamwork.
• Maintain training requirements as required by licensing.
• First-Aid, CPR and AED certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in organizing and cleaning the classroom and displays.
• Support implementation of age-appropriate curriculum across classrooms as needed.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, nurturing environment through active supervision.
• Participate in Parent Advisory Committee and YMCA events and fundraising.
• Communicate with parents professionally and attend staff trainings.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Leadership potential

Relationship-building

Education

High School Diploma

Education coursework preferred

Job description

# Teaching Assistant- Toddler: West Essex YMCA: Posted: 11-4-26## Job DescriptionWe are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.We are currently seeking a dedicated and motivated Pre-K Teacher Assistant to join our team. Under the guidance of the Child Care Director and Lead Teacher, the Teacher Assistant supports the implementation of classroom curriculum and activities, and may assume leadership in the Lead Teacher’s absence. This role ensures a high-quality experience for children and families, grounded in the YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.## Essential Functions:* Assist the Lead Teacher in maintaining the organization, and cleanliness of the classroom (e.g., bulletin boards, displays, storage areas).* Support the implementation of an age-appropriate curriculum and work with different age groups or classrooms as needed.* Help maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for all children through consistent engagement and supervision at their level (e.g., on the floor, at tables).* Participate in the Parent Advisory Committee and YMCA-sponsored events and fundraising activities.* Support timely and professional communication with parents, modeling strong relationship-building skills in all interactions.* Attend staff meetings, trainings, and workshops to support professional growth.* Represent the classroom in meetings or trainings in the absence of the Lead Teacher and when otherwise requested.* Perform other related duties as assigned to support classroom and program success.## Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:* High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred.* One (1) to two (2) years related experience in a group setting with preschool children maintain safety at all time.* Experience in assisting with curriculum implementation and being a contributing team member is essential.* Maintain training requirements as required by the Office of Licensing.* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels of staff, parents and youth.* Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.* Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.* First-Aid, CPR and AED certification within 30 days of hire date.* Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.## Benefits:**Full-Time**We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid holidays, a legal plan, long-term disability, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities. Full-time employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.## Salary$16-$18 per hour