Child Care - Aide

YMCA OF READING & BERKS CO • Richmond Township, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is seeking a Child Care Aide to assist classroom teachers in providing a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate environment. This entry-level position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on childcare experience, complete professional training, and develop skills for future growth in early childhood education, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. The Child Care Aide assists the Group Supervisor and Assistant Group Supervisor with classroom operations, daily activities, supervision, and care of children in a licensed Pennsylvania Department of Human Services childcare program.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; OR Eighth-grade education and at least two years of experience working with children; OR Eighth-grade education and enrollment in an approved training curriculum as described by applicable Pennsylvania childcare regulations.
• Ability to meet the aide qualifications and responsibilities established under Pennsylvania Code, Title 55, Chapter 3270.
• Willingness to learn and accept instruction, coaching, and feedback.
• Ability to communicate positively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, flexibility, emotional maturity, enthusiasm, and a professional attitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively with children, families, supervisors, and other employees.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality due to required staff-to-child ratios.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required clearances, health documentation, orientation, and training.

Nice To Haves

• Previous professional childcare experience is not required for candidates who meet the applicable education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers with the supervision and care of children.
• Help maintain the safety and well-being of children through attentive supervision and appropriate interactions.
• Model appropriate classroom-management practices.
• Support positive behavior through guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate conflict resolution.
• Assist with daily activities that promote children’s confidence, self-image, development, and feelings of self-worth.
• Participate fully in program activities, including classroom activities, field trips, swimming, food service, and cleaning.
• Help maintain clean, orderly, and welcoming classrooms and program areas.
• Complete duties such as cleaning, sweeping, wiping tables, and vacuuming as directed.
• Greet parents and promptly direct questions or concerns to the appropriate classroom teacher or Center Director.
• Report concerns involving children, employees, or program operations to the Center Director in a timely manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of children’s records and other sensitive information.
• Coordinate with classroom staff regarding activities, schedules, breaks, and required staff-to-child ratios.
• Be flexible and willing to adjust working hours when necessary to support classroom coverage.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and professional-development activities.
• Maintain required professional-development records and complete training hours required by state regulations and the STARS program.
• Follow YMCA personnel policies, childcare policies, risk-management practices, and Pennsylvania childcare regulations.
• Model the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the delivery of quality childcare.

Benefits

• Training and support will be provided.
• Opportunity to gain hands-on childcare experience.
• Opportunity to complete professional training.
• Opportunity to develop skills for future growth in early childhood education.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED