Early Childhood Classroom Assistant

YMCA of Central Northern Westchester • Hawthorne, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester is seeking a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Early Childhood Classroom Assistant to support our Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. The Early Childhood Classroom Assistant works alongside the Lead Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children. Under the direction of the Director, Assistant Director of Early Child Care Services, and Lead Teacher, this position assists with daily classroom activities while supporting children's academic, social, emotional, and physical development. The Classroom Assistant will work in accordance with YMCA standards, New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, and Universal Pre-Kindergarten program guidelines. This is a part-time, 10-month position that follows the local school district calendar. Staff may be asked to work additional hours during school closures, half days, snow days, school holidays, and other program needs.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrates maturity, responsibility, patience, dependability, and a genuine interest in working with young children.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate activities, child development, and preschool learning expectations.
• Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity to children's individual needs and backgrounds.
• Ability to build children's confidence while maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive classroom environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Associate Degree or college coursework in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Preschool preferred.
• Previous experience working with children ages 3–5 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with daily preschool classroom activities, including academic enrichment, physical activities, arts and crafts, music, story time, lunch, and snack routines.
• Support classroom instruction and assist with leading activities when appropriate or in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
• Become familiar with New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten guidelines, YMCA preschool program objectives, and applicable OCFS regulations.
• Help create and maintain a safe, healthy, positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Actively supervise children at all times while maintaining required licensing ratios and safety standards.
• Support children's social-emotional development and model the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Provide and serve age-appropriate snacks while following YMCA and program guidelines.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, sanitizing, and general housekeeping to maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment.
• Maintain required classroom documentation, including attendance, health checks, participant records, and other childcare records as needed.
• Complete incident reports for injuries or illnesses requiring first aid and communicate concerns with families and leadership as required.
• Build positive and professional relationships with children, families, teachers, and YMCA staff.
• Greet children and families by name whenever possible and provide a welcoming YMCA experience.
• Communicate classroom concerns, children's needs, and program issues to the Lead Teacher and Early Learning leadership team.
• Provide support during half days, snow days, school holidays, and other special program needs as requested.
• Complete all required New York State OCFS professional development and training requirements.
• Follow all YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to child abuse prevention, emergency procedures, medical procedures, confidentiality, and behavior guidance.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $17.00–$19.00 per hour
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Hands-on experience in early childhood education
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to grow within the YMCA and gain valuable experience in early childhood programming
• Potential opportunities for additional hours based on program needs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree