What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Teacher - Early Education Center position at YMCA of Greater Nashua?
Associate Teacher – Early Education Center
YMCA of Greater Nashua | Merrimack Y Early Education Center
Full-Time & Part-Time Openings Available | $18/hour | Non-Exempt
The Merrimack Y Early Education Center provides care for over 300 children from six weeks to kindergarten. We offer full- and part-time positions with excellent wages and a strong benefits package. Full-time benefits include:
- Health & dental insurance
- Paid vacation, holidays, personal, and sick time
- Free family YMCA membership
- Generous retirement plan
Why Work at the Y?
At the Y, you’ll find more than a job—you’ll discover a career with purpose. Every day, you’ll make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, while also growing your own skills and career.
Our Community
The YMCA of Greater Nashua is a leader in the region. Nashua, NH offers the best of all worlds: just 45 minutes from Boston, less than an hour to the New Hampshire seacoast, and an hour to the White Mountains—perfect for city, beach, or outdoor adventures.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Working alongside the Lead Teacher, the Associate Teacher helps deliver our philosophy of high-quality early childhood education. You’ll bring creativity, compassion, and a playful spirit to the classroom while partnering with a team of three teachers. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting curriculum development and classroom management
- Facilitating engaging, age-appropriate activities
- Creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
- Building positive relationships with children, families, and staff
- Participating in staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education (18 hours annually)
This is a year-round position with rotating shifts between 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Responsible, with the Lead Teacher, for Early Childcare curriculum development.
- Provides Early Childcare program delivery and classroom supervision.
- Supervises or facilitates curriculum activities to provide positive learning experiences for all children.
- Sets and maintains appropriate standards for children’s behavior, using non-punitive methods which teach self-discipline while supporting children’s self-esteem.
- Provides careful and concentrated supervision of play areas to insure children’s safety and learning.
- Carries out clerical, cleaning and facility maintenance duties as assigned.
- Attends all staff meetings and training sessions.
- Maintains a cooperative relationship with all other staff members.
- Interacts positively with all parents and refers questions and concerns to the Lead teacher as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned and agreed upon.
- Earns 18 continuing education hours within the first nine months of employment and maintains the 18 hours at all times thereafter
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 9 Early Childhood Education credits
- Ability to engage children with compassion and creativity
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Quick response to ensure child safety
- Vision and mobility to support active supervision
(Reasonable accommodations available.)
YMCA COMPETENCIES:
- Relationships: Builds strong connections with children, families, and peers
- Inclusion: Welcomes and values people of all backgrounds and abilities
- Innovation: Brings fresh ideas to create positive learning experiences
- Quality Results: Delivers a high-value, mission-driven program
- Self-Development: Pursues ongoing learning and professional growth
OUR CULTURE:
At the Y, we live our mission of strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all.
We are:
- Welcoming – Open to all, where you can belong and become
- Genuine – We value you and embrace your individuality
- Nurturing – Supporting your journey to reach your full potential
- Hopeful – Believing in you and the difference you can make
- Determined – Working together to build stronger communities
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18
