Early Education Apprentice

About the Role

The Early Education Apprenticeship is a fully PAID opportunity to gain hands-on experience providing instruction in an infant, toddler, or preschool classroom, receive mentorship from senior teachers, and complete the academic coursework required to earn certification as a Teacher.

Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time

Compensation: $16.00 - $18.00 / hour

Locations: Woburn, Waltham, Reading, West Roxbury, Roxbury, Longwood, Chinatown, East Boston

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher and Child Development Director, the Assistant Teacher assists in the planning and implementation of classroom curriculum, communicates information to families, and maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and attractive environment. Age-appropriate activities should provide for growth in skill, self-awareness, group relations, and character development. By conducting him/herself in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner, the Assistant Teacher is a role model for children and adults. In addition, he/she ensures focus on programming that promotes healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.

Key Responsibilities

• Keep safety of children as a first priority – with emphasis on an atmosphere that is family-friendly, age-appropriate, inclusive, and conducive to a quality-driven environment.
• By personal example, facilitate the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility with children, staff, and families – must be a positive, healthy role model.
• Use positive and constructive methods of behavior guidance.
• Supervise children and manage transitions smoothly to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.
• Work with the Lead Teacher in the design of the classroom space and maintain facility and supplies at all times.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with relevant assessments on a variety of levels throughout the year by means of progress reports, parent surveys, and program self-assessment.
• Provide children with a well-balanced curriculum of specific, planned learning experiences that support their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
• Utilize curricula which are developmentally and linguistically appropriate; provide for the development, interests and temperaments of individual children; supports school readiness and educational development; and include goals for the knowledge and skills to be acquired by children in various areas of learning.
• Participate in designated hours of training per year.
• Participate in regular staff meetings.
• Assume accountability for all children assigned to classroom and connect daily with parents/guardians.
• Adhere to the rules, regulations and procedures set forth by the YMCA of Greater Boston, the branch location, and the Department of Early Education and Care.
• Perform all duties deemed necessary by branch/program leadership.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Working towards EEC certification of qualifications.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Skills in working with families, conflict resolution and public relations.
• Knowledge of group process - must agree to work in harmony with other staff.
• Commitment to the philosophy and goals of the YMCA.
• Effective leadership skills and crisis management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Benefits

• Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
• Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
• Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
• Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
• A healthy work/life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits including:
• FREE YMCA Membership for you.
• Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
• Discounted or FREE family membership.
• Robust Retirement Plan up to 10% (see eligibility requirement).
• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
• Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time).