Assistant Childcare Teacher

Penobscot Bay YMCA•Rockland, ME

4d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is seeking a Full-Time Assistant Child Care Teacher to join their early childhood team in Rockport. 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 is ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys working with children and desires to be part of a supportive team engaged in meaningful work. The YMCA emphasizes the importance of good benefits, time away from work, and a schedule that allows for a good work-life balance.

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

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children in an early childhood or developmental setting preferred
A willingness to work toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Infant/Toddler Credential
The ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences
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
A commitment to creating an inclusive environment and supporting children of all abilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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