YMCA of Metropolitan Washington·Silver Spring, Maryland
The Assistant Teacher supports the lead teacher in implementing learning activities and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the program. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean classroom environment, communicating with parents, and participating in special events and field trips.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace culture where all employees are treated with fairness and respect. .
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, at least one year of teaching experience in a licensed center, and current CPR and First Aid certification. Applicants must also pass criminal background and fingerprinting checks and be able to lift at least 35 pounds.
Market context
In Maryland, teaching assistant roles are often driven by school staffing needs and support for students with disabilities, so openings can appear throughout the year. Competition can be tighter for candidates who already meet the education threshold and can show strong verbal and interpersonal skills; this role also includes benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid time off. Before applying, confirm your diploma or GED plus associate degree or 48 college credits, and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting to save research time.