Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

Greater Burlington YMCA • Burlington, VT

1d • $18 - $20

About The Position

Why You'll Love Working with Us:
Do you love working with children, creating a warm and nurturing space where they feel safe, loved, and ready to explore? At the Y, we value early childhood professionals and provide the support and benefits you deserve.
Competitive Pay – Earn $18.00-$19.80/hour based on your experience and qualifications.
Professional Development – Enjoy 8 in-service days dedicated to training, team meetings, and curriculum planning.
Time Off – Get 14.5 paid vacation days, 6 paid holidays, and 3 weeks of Paid Time Off in your first year.
Balanced Workload – One dedicated planning day each week.
Y Perks – Free YMCA membership and discounts on programs and camps.
Health Coverage – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Loan Forgiveness – Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Growth Opportunities – Ongoing professional development and career advancement.
The City is Our Playground – Our location in the heart of Burlington means children get hands-on learning experiences exploring the waterfront, beaches, woods, and Church Street.
About Our Center:
At the Greater Burlington YMCA, we offer a play-based, emergent curriculum driven by each child’s natural curiosity and interests. With locations in both Burlington and Winooski, our early childhood programs celebrate the unique identities of children and families, nurturing social-emotional growth through meaningful play and authentic connections. At the Y, we:
Support Social/Emotional Growth
Celebrate Diversity
Foster Curiosity
Strive to Inspire and be Inspired
What You'll Do:
Assist teachers in implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate activities.
Support a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers.
Engage in indoor and outdoor play, ensuring children remain active and involved.
Help with swim lessons, gym time, and field trips to enrich children’s learning experiences.
Foster positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.
Create a calm, restful atmosphere during rest time and provide support to children who do not nap.
Assist in maintaining a neat, organized classroom and ensuring licensing requirements are met.
Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a federal background check and state fingerprinting
• One year of experience working with children

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a VT Fundamentals Course or at least 3 college credits in child development
• Certificate of completion of a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
• Full-time experience working with children or youth in an educational, recreational, or programmatic setting, with milestones recognized at 2, 5, 10, and 15+ years.
• Completion of twelve college credits in child or human development or school age care and education.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Formal training or certification experience in trauma-informed care, basic specialized care, or social work. Including completion of professional development or coursework in trauma-informed practices.
• 2+ years of direct full-time experience in special education or behavioral intervention.
• Coursework or certification in special education or behavioral intervention.
• Completion of DEI-specific training, coursework, or certification, with a minimum of 40 hours or the equivalent of a college course.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Support a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers.
• Engage in indoor and outdoor play, ensuring children remain active and involved.
• Help with swim lessons, gym time, and field trips to enrich children’s learning experiences.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.
• Create a calm, restful atmosphere during rest time and provide support to children who do not nap.
• Assist in maintaining a neat, organized classroom and ensuring licensing requirements are met.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay – Earn $18.00-$19.80/hour based on your experience and qualifications.
• Professional Development – Enjoy 8 in-service days dedicated to training, team meetings, and curriculum planning.
• Time Off – Get 14.5 paid vacation days, 6 paid holidays, and 3 weeks of Paid Time Off in your first year.
• Balanced Workload – One dedicated planning day each week.
• Y Perks – Free YMCA membership and discounts on programs and camps.
• Health Coverage – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Loan Forgiveness – Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Growth Opportunities – Ongoing professional development and career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED