Assistant Childcare Teacher - Full Time

Penobscot Bay YMCA•Rockport, ME

3d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher at Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport, Maine. This role involves working alongside experienced Lead Teachers to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment where children can learn, play, build confidence, and thrive. The position focuses on the important work of early childhood education, including building block towers, reading stories, helping children learn to share, exploring outdoors, creating art, and celebrating small moments. The Penobscot Bay YMCA is seeking individuals who genuinely enjoy working with children and want to be part of a supportive team doing meaningful work.

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
Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers
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

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
3 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