Child Care - Aide

YMCA OF READING & BERKS CO•Richmond Township, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Care Aide supports the Group Supervisor and Assistant Group Supervisor in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. This position assists with daily activities, classroom supervision, positive behavior guidance, and maintaining an orderly and welcoming program space.

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.
Must meet the aide qualifications established under Pennsylvania child care regulations.
Ability to communicate positively and professionally with children, families, and staff.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and respond appropriately to supervision.
Demonstrated good judgment, flexibility, emotional maturity, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow established policies and procedures.
Willingness to participate in required training and professional development.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, reach, and engage actively with children throughout the workday.
Ability to lift or move items weighing up to 60 pounds.
Ability to respond promptly to a child requiring assistance, including reaching a child located up to 30 feet away within 10 seconds.
Must satisfy all YMCA and Pennsylvania child care employment requirements, including required clearances, health documentation, and mandated training.

Responsibilities

Supervise and interact appropriately with children to support their safety, well-being, and development.
Assist with developmentally appropriate classroom activities that promote confidence, independence, and positive self-esteem.
Use positive guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate conflict-resolution techniques.
Help maintain established classroom routines, expectations, and reasonable limits.
Participate fully in program activities, including field trips, swimming, meal service, and special events.
Assist with cleaning and maintaining classrooms and other program areas, including wiping tables, sweeping, vacuuming, and organizing materials.
Greet parents and direct questions or concerns to the appropriate classroom or center supervisor.
Immediately report concerns involving children, staff members, or program operations to the Child Care Director.
Maintain the confidentiality of children, families, and program records.
Coordinate with other staff members regarding activities, schedules, breaks, and required staff-to-child ratios.
Attend required staff meetings, training programs, and professional-development activities.
Maintain required training records and complete annual training requirements.
Follow all YMCA policies, Pennsylvania child care regulations, risk-management requirements, and applicable program standards.
Demonstrate the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, compliant, and high-quality child care operations.