Title: Early Education Apprentice (Assistant Infant/Toddler/Preschool Teacher) Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Locations: Woburn, Waltham, Reading, West Roxbury, Roxbury, Longwood, Chinatown, East Boston Our Early Education Apprenticeship is an amazing, 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 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. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise • 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 Why work at the Y? The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to: • 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)