Join Our Team!

Assistant Teacher– Preschool

Northern Middlesex YMCA | Middletown, CT
Full-Time | $18.00–$21.50/hour

Do you love working with young children? Are you looking to make a difference every day?

The Northern Middlesex YMCA is seeking caring, enthusiastic Teacher Assistants to join our Early Childhood team. You'll work alongside experienced educators to create a warm, engaging, play-based learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.

What You'll Do

• Support teachers in creating a nurturing, high-quality classroom.

• Engage children in hands-on learning, exploration, and play.

• Build positive relationships with children and families through daily communication.

• Encourage children's independence, healthy habits, and social-emotional development.

• Help create a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.

• Observe children's interests and development and share information with the teaching team.

• Assist with smooth daily routines and transitions.

• Follow YMCA policies and Connecticut licensing regulations.

• Participate in ongoing professional development and team collaboration.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Passionate about working with young children.

• Warm, patient, and dependable.

• A positive team player with a growth mindset.

• Organized and able to communicate effectively with families and coworkers.

• Willing to learn and continuously grow as an early childhood professional.

Why Join the YMCA?

• Competitive pay: $18.00–$21.50 per hour, paid time off, medical, dental, life and long term disability insurances, YMCA membership, 401a and 403b retirement savings.

• Collaborative team environment

• Ongoing professional development

• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children and families every day

• Play-based, relationship-focused program where teachers are valued and encouraged to grow

If you're ready to build meaningful relationships, inspire young learners, and become part of an exceptional team, we'd love to hear from you!

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of professional childcare experience preferred.

• Understanding of child development.

• Basic computer and communication skills.

• Associate degree or college coursework in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.

• CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, Mandated Reporter, and Care4Kids training (or willingness to obtain).

• Ability to pass a background check and provide a medical clearance.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities.

The YMCA Offers the following benefits for Full Time Staff

• Medical/Vision/Dental Benefits
• Long Term
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Membership: Full membership privileges are included
• Program Discounts
• Retirement Plan and 403b Roth and Savings Plan

The YMCA strives to deliver positive change in communities throughout Northern Middlesex County. Every day, our staff - of all ages, backgrounds and life experiences - works to bridge the gaps in community needs by nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving individuals' health and well-being and providing support to our neighbors.

The Northern Middlesex YMCA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Northern Middlesex YMCA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.