Valparaiso YMCA·Valparaiso, Indiana
Support the Lead Teacher in delivering age-appropriate educational programs while ensuring the health and safety of all children. Engage positively with families and maintain a nurturing environment for child growth.
The Assistant Teacher supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This part-time position supports the Childcare team by ensuring the health and safety of all children while assisting the Lead Teacher with overseeing the delivery of age-appropriate educational programs and positively engaging with members and families to enhance their experience and their children’s growth at our facility. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
Flexible scheduling Free Y membership & discounted family membership Child Watch hours available free of charge ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Childcare Responsibilities: · Ensure the safety of all children; maintain a high level of confidentiality. · Maintain awareness at all times of children’s activities. Never leave children unsupervised. · Follow parent/guardian sign in and sign out procedures. Document attendance. · Follow provided curriculum activities, interacting with and motivating children. · Supervise and interact with children in a variety of positive, fun and learning activities. Comfort upset children. · Assist children with potty training and changing diapers. Change outfits when necessary. · Assist children during meal and snack time.
· Follow emergency procedures and safety precautions. Follow procedures for reporting all accidents, incidents and hazards. · Adhere to all policies, rules, and regulations as outlined in employee handbook and other communications. Obtain and maintain required training(s). · Provide feedback and address concerns in a courteous manner, modeling active listening, reflection and response skills in all interactions. Resolve situations immediately. · Adhere to work schedule and substitute for other staff as needed. · Accept additional assignments as deemed appropriate, within the scope of the job description.
· High school diploma or equivalent required · Minimum age 18 required · Previous child educational experience preferred SALARY: Minimum starting rate of $12 an hour Starting rate based on experience SCHEDULE & LOCATION OPTIONS: Morning or Afternoon Shift – Schedule varies based on operational need Main - 1201 Cumberland Crossing WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader): Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition.
Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational
Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal
Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change. Model’s adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
#ValpoYInd
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum age of 18. Previous experience in child education is preferred.
Market context
In Indiana, preschool assistant teacher roles are commonly available in child care and early learning settings, and employers often look for candidates who can support classroom routines, supervision, and age-appropriate activities. Competition can be stronger for applicants with prior child education experience, reliability, and flexibility, especially when schedules vary. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then highlight any hands-on experience with young children in your application.