What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Assistant Teacher position at YMCA OF GREATER NASHUA?
TEACHER ASSISTANT – EARLY EDUCATION
Seasonal Position | YMCA of Greater Nashua
Part-Time and Full-Time Opportunities Available
Why This Role Matters
Every interaction you have helps shape a child’s confidence, relationships, and sense of belonging. You are not just assisting in a classroom—you are helping children take their first steps toward a healthy, connected, and purposeful life.
POSITION SUMMARY:
As a Teacher Assistant in Early Education, you play a vital role in helping young children begin their journey of achievement, relationships, and belonging. You support classroom teachers in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can learn, grow, and feel valued.
Guided by the Early Learning Director and Lead Teachers, you will assist in delivering high-quality early childhood experiences across Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten classrooms.
At the YMCA of Greater Nashua, we are more than a childcare provider—we are a community committed to strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all. In this role, you help children build confidence, develop friendships, and feel a sense of belonging from their earliest years.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Support Achievement (Helping Children Grow)
· Assist teachers in creating positive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences
· Encourage curiosity, independence, and confidence in children
· Help implement daily activities that support early learning goals
Build Relationships (Creating Connections)
· Foster a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and supported
· Engage positively with children, families, and staff
· Support children in developing social skills, friendships, and cooperation
Create Belonging (Ensuring Every Child Feels Valued)
· Promote an inclusive environment where all children are respected and celebrated
· Use positive, non-punitive guidance techniques that build self-esteem and self-discipline
· Help ensure every child feels seen, heard, and included
Program & Operational Support
· Maintain active supervision to ensure children’s safety at all times
· Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and daily routines
· Attend staff meetings and required trainings
· Communicate effectively with Lead Teachers regarding child needs and classroom updates
· Support families by creating a friendly and professional experience; refer specific concerns appropriately
· Complete additional duties as assigned
· Assist classroom teachers by providing positive learning experiences for all the children.
· Maintain appropriate standards as directed by the teachers for children’s behavior using nonpunitive methods which teach self-discipline while supporting children's self-esteem.
Who You Are
· Passionate about working with young children and supporting their development
· Positive, nurturing, and patient with a solution-oriented mindset
· Able to build relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds
· Flexible, creative, and a strong team player
· Committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
· Must be able to actively supervise and respond quickly to ensure child safety
· Ability to move, stand, and engage with children throughout the day
· Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
· Visual abilities include close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus
· Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals in performing essential functions
YMCA Competencies
· Relationships: Builds meaningful connections and communicates effectively
· Inclusion: Creates environments where all feel welcome, respected, and valued
· Innovation: Brings creativity and new ideas to enhance the member experience
· Quality Results: Delivers high-quality experiences for children and families
· Self-Development: Seeks growth opportunities and continuous learning
Our Culture
At the Y, our mission and values guide everything we do. We are:
· Welcoming: We create spaces where everyone can belong
· Genuine: We value and respect each individual
· Nurturing: We support growth and development
· Hopeful: We believe in each person’s potential
· Determined: We are committed to strengthening our community
We live our values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in every interaction.