YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago·Chicago, Illinois
Implement enrichment activities and provide a safe, supportive environment for early learners aged 2-5. Responsibilities include lesson planning, maintaining communication with parents, and ensuring the well-being of all program participants.
The Early Learning Enrichment Instructor is responsible for implementing a wide variety of enrichment activities in absence of regular lead teacher for early learners aged 2-5 in a program setting. Early Learning Enrichment Instructors play a key role in ensuring that program participants have a safe, supportive, interactive and enriching program experience while ensuring the safety, care, security and well-being of all program participants. Maintains communication with parents and implements curriculum and program requirements.
Salary starts at $17.80 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization
Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:
Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.
Scope of Responsibilities
Provide a positive climate of prompt and consistent responsive and individualized care to help children develop secure relationships and attachment throughout the day including diapering/toileting meal and active play and floor times.
Adhere to continuity of relationship practices and work with assigned group of preschool children applying best practices for Preschool.
Provide a language rich environment which includes consistency in talking, singing and relating to children’s verbal and nonverbal cues, at eye level.
Follow consistent routines and make certain the schedule for Preschool children is regular enough to be predictable, but flexible enough to meet their individual needs.
Meet the individual needs of each child, at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor).
Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire group to ensure the safety of each child whether in the classroom, outside or in common areas.
Participate in required health and safety procedures to reduce the spread of germs for the sake of children, parents and staff.
Integrate and assist children with special needs and adapt activities accordingly.
Utilize routines as opportunities for strengthening development, learning, and skill growth.
Positively interacts with youth, parents/guardians and other team members to create a respectful, warm, supportive environment.
Utilizes arrival/departure ensure to share information with parents/guardians and to build relationships.
Prepares lesson plans on a daily and/or weekly basis outlining program activities, ensures materials and supplies are available and ready for program activities, and ensures all program areas and supplies are clean and well maintained regularly.
Maintains accurate attendance, instructional and other records as necessary to meet program requirements.
Maintain regular job attendance, professionalism in attire and demeanor, observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices.
Support the YMCA’s mission and Hub operations as assigned.
Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Lesson Planning and Classroom Management
Provide individualized age-appropriate learning experiences that incorporates social emotional, cognitive and physical development, early language stimulation, literacy and integration of the arts
Implement well-organized learning environments, with developmentally appropriate schedules, individualized plans, and indoor/outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for play and exploration among a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences.
Respond quickly to children’s cues, different and personal needs, temperament styles, abilities, and cultures.
Communicate regularly and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom, establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities and to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.
Minimum and
Requires a high school diploma or GED with related coursework and 1-3 years of experience working with preschool-aged students. Candidates must demonstrate a passion for early childhood development and the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
Market context
In Illinois, campus-based education support roles like this often draw steady interest because schools and learning programs need candidates with strong math content knowledge and reliable local availability. Competition can be shaped by the bachelor’s degree requirement, preferred STEM or education background, and the need to commute to the Northbrook campus. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your commute and prepare examples showing your math strengths.