Greater Missoula Family YMCA
Location
Missoula, Montana
Salary
$16 - $16 / HOUR
The Assistant Teacher is responsible for helping teachers organize and lead daily activities for infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten children. They implement the program curriculum and ensure a high-quality, developmentally appropriate experience for the children.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and preferably have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience in a licensed childcare facility or college coursework in Early Childhood Education is preferred, along with current CPR and First Aid certification.
The Greater Missoula Family YMCA is looking for team oriented, dependable, loving and compassionate people who love to engage and have fun with infants and children up to 5 years old in a quality care learning environment. We are hiring Assistant Teachers for full time positions. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for helping teachers in organizing and leading daily activities of infants, toddlers and pre-kindergarten children. They implement the program curriculum and environment, providing a high quality, developmentally appropriate experience to meet the needs of the children and families in the program. Applicants must be able to thrive in an environment with the unique challenges of a non-profit community service organization and work with limited supervision.
The Missoula Y is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive space for all, we value all people for their unique talents, and actively promote practices that support diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Full Time employment benefits at the Y include a free family membership with discounts for Y programs and classes, paid vacation and sick time, paid life insurance, group health, vision and dental insurance (employee contribution required), and retirement plan contributions after sufficient time worked. 403(b) retirement savings accounts are available to all staff.
· Assist in implementing lesson plans for classroom · Help children remove outer garments and get settled · Provide for and ensure the safety of the children in the program · Be aware of surroundings, react quickly when necessary and maintain safety for all children · Care for the physical and emotional needs of each assigned child, using approved methods and philosophy · Facilitate projects and activities for the children · Keep classroom and all common areas clean and safe · Keep daily classroom attendance records and food counts · Report any supply needs and/or equipment damage to supervisor · Help children develop responsibility for their environment and belongings, including but not limited to: habits of caring for own clothing, picking up and storing toys and books, etc · Educate and enforce Child Care rules, policies, and State of Montana licensing regulations with parents, participants, and other staff · Maintain positive child guidance · Participate in preparation and serving healthy meals and snacks · Facilitate and regulate rest periods for all children · Communicate clearly to children, parents, members and coworkers · Complete all required training for Early Childhood Practitioners registry, Child Care Licensing and Stars to Quality in accordance with training plan schedule · Ensure program safety and manage risk appropriately · Complete required child sexual abuse prevention training, comply with legal and ethical obligation as a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse, and cooperate fully with any investigation of such abuse · Regular and timely attendance is important for consistency in the quality of care delivered, and therefore is a requirement of the position · Perform other duties as assigned
37.95.622 CHILD CARE CENTERS: STAFFING QUALIFICATIONS - An early childhood assistant teacher must: be at least 16 years old
Experience in a licensed childcare facility, or college level coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Psychology Required – Must have current CPR and First Aid or obtain within first 30 days of employment (available at the Y) Experience Preferred – 1-2 years experience in child care or working with children
Must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation Must be able to communicate clearly to all children, parents, members and company personnel Ability to attend all trainings and meetings as required even if scheduled outside normal working or regular scheduled hours. Present a clean, well-groomed appearance Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly when needed or in an emergency Ability to walk, stand, and sit for periods of time. Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids. Occasionally must be able to lift and carry up to 55 pounds Frequently may require bending, leaning, kneeling and walking
Communication & Influence Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
Market context
Teaching assistant openings in Montana often draw steady interest because schools need dependable support staff who can work closely with students and classroom teachers. This role is competitive when candidates already have child-care or school-based experience, behavior management skills, and the ability to meet the listed age and diploma requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your experience with children and prepare a brief example of how you handle classroom behavior.
Salary benchmark
$40,248 avg / yr
Typical range: $35,360–$41,600 based on 5 active listings in Montana