YMCA of Metro North·Melrose, Massachusetts
The Toddler Teacher is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children while implementing age-appropriate curriculum and fostering development. They must also maintain effective communication with parents and adhere to state licensing regulations and YMCA policies.
Come and join our team! $1,000 sign-on Bonus!
at the Y, we offer great salaries, benefits, a 403B and a pension plan. PLUS, you get a free family YMCA membership, and discount program for all family programming! Plus, our culture is collaborative and fun!!!
Employee benefit for full-time YMCA of Metro North employees will receive 75% off the Early Learning Child Care Tuition at one of our associated Y-Academy.
YMCA of Metro North Y Academy Melrose is located at 106 Main street Melrose. Right across from Pine Banks Park!
Potential Teachers and Assistants must submit an application and resume. Your application materials will be reviewed, and we will determine if you would be a strong candidate for the Y Academy Stoneham. If so, we will contact you for an interview. If you are a candidate for hire, we will run a Criminal Background check (CORI and SORI) and check four references. Once your background is clear and your references are excellent, we will offer you a position to work at our Y Academy Infant, Toddler and Preschool Program.
30am am to 5:30 pm. Staff hours are dependent upon program needs but we need full-time Toddler Teachers!!
Our goal is to ensure excellence in the delivery of high quality and safety for all programs.
Essential Functions
Read and be accountable for YMCA Policies, State Licensing Body (MA EEC) regulations, and Quality Rating System standards (QRIS).
Ensure the safety of each child in your direct care group at all times. Adhere to small group/ratio established by licensing regulations. Accurately maintain attendance of the children in your care.
Communicate effectively and timely with parents/guardians regarding children's program experience, progress (written as well as verbal). Maintain confidentiality, use sensitivity, and patience at all times.
Provide quality Adult/Child interactions through engagement, positive and encouraging feedback, and asking open-ended questions. Maintain age appropriate verbal interaction guidelines at all times; exercising patience.
Ensure that centers are maintained with quality learning materials, organized accordingly in labeled containers associated with appropriate Learning Center.
Attend team-planning meetings monthly or more as needed.
Conduct/record weekly child observations as well as any related to child behavior concerns or development that may require early intervention with parent/guardian(s).
Maintain operation of the program consistent with YMCA policies, state licensing regulations and Quality Rating System standards and initiatives in preparing for annual audits (state licensing inspections and quality assessments).
Our Teachers
Keep safety of children as a first priority. Emphasize personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff at all times.
Plans and implements age appropriate curriculum that fosters children’s development.
Provides differentiated instruction to meet the individual needs of children in the classroom.
Conduct child assessments and provides feedback and recommendations to parents and caregivers.
Lead by personal example, help to interpret the quality of the YMCA character values of children, staff, and families. Are positive healthy role models.
Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior management and ensures that all staff do the same.
Supervise children to ensure safety and appropriate behavior and guide transitions smoothly.
Collaborate with the co-teacher in the design of the classroom space. Are responsible for making sure that materials are ready for use and put away at the end of the day.
You will be working out of the YMCA Academy site. Programs take place Monday to Friday, with the typical program hours being 7:30am 5:30pm 40hrs/per week.
Present documentation of achieved degree from an accredited college or university in education or human services related field as defined by state licensing requirements.
Verify a minimum of one (1) year (2,000 hours) of child-care experience.
You are detail oriented. You possess and utilize excellent organizational skills. You follow all regulations to make sure that children are happy, safe, and healthy.
You are a people person. You have good human relations skills to facilitate positive relationship with community agencies, staff, families, and program participants.
You love working with kids. You enjoy creating amazing educational experiences to help them learn and grow.
You are able to become First Aid and CPR certified within first six months of employment.
You will obtain the Y’s Child Abuse Prevention Training prior to commencing your employment and Blood Born Pathogen Training, and Sexual Harassment Training within the first 30 days of employment.
Candidates must possess a degree in education or a human services-related field and have at least one year of child-care experience. Additionally, they must be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications and pass a criminal background check.
Market context
Toddler teacher roles in Massachusetts often stay competitive because centers need candidates with early childhood or human services education, plus hands-on child-care experience and current safety credentials. This role stands out for applicants who can meet certification and background-check requirements while seeking benefits such as health and dental coverage, a pension plan, and a sign-on bonus. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your degree, experience, and readiness to obtain First Aid and CPR before applying.