Early Childhood Support Staff

Join the Y Early Education team in Burlington as an Early Childhood Support Staff and make a lasting impact by providing one-on-one support to a youth participant with individualized needs. In this role, you’ll work closely with the program director, classroom teachers, and the child’s family to foster growth, inclusion, and connection. You’ll help adapt activities, guide social-emotional development, and ensure the child can fully participate alongside other students in the classroom. This is a great opportunity for someone with experience supporting youth with diverse learning or behavioral needs who is passionate about inclusion, compassion, and creating a positive classroom experience.

This is a grant-funded position. Hours and pay will vary based on the child's needs and attendance.

Schedule and Location: Y Early Childhood Program located in Burlington at 298 College St. Schedule will vary based on the child's attendance in the program.

Why You’ll Love This Job:

• Create Real Impact: Help a child grow, thrive, and feel included in a classroom environment.
• Be Part of a Team: Work alongside supportive, mission-driven staff and leadership.
• Model Inclusion: Support a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect for differences.
• Enjoy Y Benefits: Free Y membership, program discounts, meaningful training, and the chance to make a difference.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide one-on-one emotional and behavioral support to a child throughout the school day.
• Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision to ensure safety and inclusion.
• Adapt classroom activities using accessibility tools and differentiated instruction to match the child’s needs.
• Support daily routines, including transitions, hydration, self-care reminders, and sensory breaks.
• Implement positive behavior strategies and follow any Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Collaborate with teachers and leadership to track progress and improve support strategies.
• Communicate regularly with the child’s guardians and the program director.
• Foster peer inclusion by encouraging positive interactions and modeling respectful behavior.
• Assist with activity setup and clean-up, ensuring any adaptive tools are available.
• Uphold the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree (Education, Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field) preferred.
• Experience working one-on-one with youth who have diverse learning, behavioral, or social- emotional needs (e.g., experience as a paraeducator, behavioral aide, special education assistant, or similar).
• Familiarity with accessibility strategies and positive behavior interventions.
• Strong sense of maturity, patience, and empathy; ability to build trusting relationships with youth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated positive reinforcement, problem-solving, and team-building abilities.
• Must pass a background check and comply with all state-licensed early childhood regulations, including training in child abuse prevention and emergency procedures. CPR/AED/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and follow individualized plans created for the youth.