Summary
Type
full-time
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About this role
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is one of the largest charities in the DC area. The Y serves as an anchor in the community offering programs and services encompassing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Position: Assistant Teacher Salary: $16.00 per hour
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a leading nonprofit organization that has a strong commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The Y is a cause driven organization that offers tremendous opportunities to make a difference. We invite you to join us in this amazing work to develop your skills, to realize your leadership potential and discover a career that is so much more than a job.
About the Job
Assists Teachers in developing and preparing plans outlining learning experiences and activities for a group of children. Implements the program to meet the needs, special interest and capabilities of children and in accordance with the teacher’s lesson plan.
Some of the exciting things you will do as the Assistant Teacher includes:
Responsible for the safety of the children at all times, including understanding and being able to implement emergency procedures as necessary. Attends parent-child events as required. Attends staff meetings and in-service training to meet the continuing education requirement established by the licensing office. Assists in maintaining clean and attractive classroom, including shelves, closets, and drawers. Provides a neat, clean environment for all children including snack/kitchen area, and monitors children’s activities to ensure that children clean up after themselves. Communicates with parents through the teacher. Assists children during transitional times and changes in the daily schedule. Interacts with the children at all times, especially during snack time, group activity, and outdoor time. Observes behavior of children and discusses unusual behaviors with the teacher. Demonstrates flexibility to move from one group of children to another, when requested. Participates in special events, field trips or special programs. Becomes familiar with state regulations and inspection procedures, as well as the policies and procedures as outlined in the staff handbook. Supports the program goals of the YMCA as a whole and the branch in particular. Assists staff with other duties as needed and required for the operation of the program. Supports the program goals of the YMCA as a whole and the branch in particular. Administers quality child care programs that reflect a positive image of the YMCA and its services to the community. Promotes positive growth and nurturing of children in the program by meeting individual developmental needs.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have high school diploma or GED. Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Documentation of physical examination and TB skin test.
- Clear the local jurisdiction requirements for criminal background and/or fingerprinting.
- Must meet the county/state licensing requirements.
- Must have one year teaching experience in a licensed center.
- Must have the critical skill of being able to relate to parents, school staff and children and have a positive, creative attitude.
- Must be able to work as a team member.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with children and parents.
Working Conditions:
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- Must be able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
- Must be physically active to play games and sports with the children
- Must be able to pick-up at least 35 pounds
- Must have visual acuity to observe all children
Did you know that just for being a YMCA employee you get great benefits and discounts from banks, credit unions, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Dell, Veterinary Pet Insurance, supplemental (AFLAC, ALLSTATE, Vision Care, LegalShield) and even Zip Car! The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington provides progressive employee benefits, including employer-funded retirement plan with vesting after two years of service or 1000 hours compensated time in each of those two years; 403(b) savings plan; high quality and affordable healthcare; free YMCA membership for employee, spouse and dependents; paid time off/sick leave, numerous professional development opportunities.
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Now Hiring: Assistant Teacher
Location: YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
Salary: $15.00/hour
Start Date: Immediate Openings Available
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington—one of the largest and most impactful charities in the DC area—is seeking passionate and dedicated Assistant Teachers to join our mission-driven early learning team. As a cornerstone of the community, the Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility. If you’re looking for more than a job, and want to grow your skills while making a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply!
Why Join the Y Team?
At the YMCA, we believe in fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth. Working at the YMCA is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:
ü Meaningful Impact: Help secure funding that empowers youth, families, and communities.
ü Professional Development: Opportunities for growth, training, and career advancement.
ü Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated, mission-driven team committed to serving all.
ü Retirement Security: The Y contributes 10% of your salary into our retirement savings plan, with additional employee contribution options for a 403(b) or Roth IRA plan.
ü Wellness Programs: Free Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health.
ü Self-Care Support: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
About the Position
The Assistant Teacher works under the guidance of the Early Learning Director or Assistant Director and plays a key role in supporting the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities. This role ensures that each child’s social, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs are supported in a safe, engaging, and positive environment.
What You’ll Do
As an Assistant Teacher, you will:
- Help implement lesson plans that meet the needs, interests, and abilities of young children
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times, including understanding emergency procedures
- Attend parent-child events, staff meetings, and required in-service trainings
- Maintain a clean, organized classroom and assist children in cleaning up after activities
- Build positive relationships with families, staff, and program participants
- Participate in field trips, special events, and enrichment activities
- Bring energy and creativity to story time, outdoor play, arts and crafts, and more!
Qualifications
- Must be at least 20 years old
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification
- Must provide documentation of physical exam and TB test
- Ability to pass required background checks and meet state/county licensing requirements
- Minimum of three years’ experience working with children, including at least one year in a licensed early learning center
- Strong communication skills and a positive, creative attitude
Working Conditions
- Ability to stand or sit for long periods
- Physically active role involving games and play
- Must be able to lift at least 35 lbs
- Must have sufficient visual acuity to monitor children effectively
Benefits
We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 10% employer-funded retirement plan (vested after two years)
- 403(b) savings plan
- High-quality, affordable health insurance
- Free YMCA membership for you and your family
- Paid time off
- Numerous opportunities for professional growth
- A collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven work environment
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer and values a range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We strive to be a welcoming organization where all staff, members, and communities feel respected, supported, and that they belong.
Other facts
About YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
OUR IMPACT
The YMCA is one of the largest social service agencies serving Washington D.C., suburban Maryland and northern Virginia. Every year, we provide opportunities in wellness, aquatics, youth sports, summer camp, child care, and more for over 250,000 people through our 17 branches and program centers.
Our utmost goal is to make the Y and all we offer accessible and available to the entire community. With the help of our generous donors, community partners and members, we were able to provide $2,662,507 in scholarships and subsidies to more than 12,400 children, adults and families in 2014.
Over 3,140 volunteers gave 161,572 hours of their time and talent in 2014 to help the YMCA fulfill its mission. From dedicated board members to talented program volunteers, these caring friends and neighbors help the YMCA serve more individuals and impact more communities every year.
With a mission to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.
What you'll do
- The Assistant Teacher assists in developing and implementing lesson plans for children, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times. They also maintain a clean classroom environment and build positive relationships with families and staff.
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