Assistant Childcare Teacher - Full Time

Penobscot Bay YMCA•Rockport, ME

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher Penobscot Bay YMCA | Rockport, Maine Love Working with Kids? Come Grow With Us! Some of the most important work happens on the floor building block towers, reading a favorite story for the tenth time, helping a child learn to share, exploring outside, making wonderfully messy art, and celebrating the little moments that are actually very big moments. At the Penobscot Bay YMCA, we're looking for a Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher to join our early childhood team in Rockport. You'll work alongside experienced Lead Teachers to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom where children can learn, play, build confidence, and thrive. If you genuinely enjoy working with children and want to be part of a supportive team doing meaningful work, we'd love to meet you.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
High School Diploma or GED
A commitment to providing safe, nurturing, and compassionate care
A history of responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required; training will be provided for candidates who are able to successfully complete the certification course
Child Abuse Prevention Training within 30 days of hire
A willingness to work toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Infant/Toddler Credential
The ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences
A commitment to creating an inclusive environment and supporting children of all abilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children in an early childhood or developmental setting preferred
Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds is a plus
Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers

Responsibilities

Provide active supervision of children at all times to ensure a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing age-appropriate educational activities that encourage learning through play.
Foster positive relationships with children by encouraging curiosity, creativity, confidence, and respectful interactions.
Support children with guidance, encouragement, and redirection using positive behavior management techniques.
Observe children's growth and development and assist with ongoing documentation and developmental assessments.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom that meets YMCA, DHHS licensing, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
Follow all YMCA policies, licensing regulations, health and safety procedures, and ADA accommodation requirements.
Build positive, professional relationships with families while maintaining open and respectful communication.
Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and ongoing professional development.
Assist with classroom housekeeping, daily routines, meal service, transitions, and other program responsibilities.
Support the overall success of the Child Care program by performing other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

$500 Sign-On Bonus — paid in two installments: $250 after 3 months and $250 after 6 months of employment
$240+ Monthly State of Maine Child Care Workforce Stipend — currently available in addition to your regular hourly wage
2 Weeks of Paid Time Off Annually — earned throughout the year
Two Fully Paid Closure Weeks Each Year — No PTO Required! Enjoy one paid closure week during the summer and another during the holiday season without using your earned PTO.
Monday-Friday Schedule — enjoy your evenings and weekends with family and friends; no nights or weekend shifts
Paid Holidays
Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance
FREE YMCA Family Membership — a $960 annual value
50% Discount on YMCA Child Care Programs
20% Discount on YMCA Programs
Retirement Plan with a generous YMCA employer contribution after two years