Asst Teacher

Pre-K Counts Teacher Aide

Location: Reading YMCA

Hourly Rate $24.06

Help Shape Young Minds Every Day!

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is looking for a caring, energetic, and dependable Pre-K Counts Teacher Aide to join our Early Learning team. If you're passionate about working with young children and want to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, play-based learning environment, we'd love to meet you!

As a Teacher Aide, you'll work alongside a certified Lead Teacher to create a safe, engaging classroom where preschool children can learn, grow, and prepare for kindergarten success.

What You'll Do

• Support the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing engaging, age-appropriate learning activities.
• Foster a positive, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels safe and valued.
• Encourage learning through play while promoting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, outdoor play, and transitions.
• Maintain accurate attendance and classroom records.
• Assist with classroom organization, cleanliness, and learning center setup.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with families.
• Help ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS, DHS, ELRC, and YMCA standards.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Support the YMCA mission by creating welcoming experiences for children and families.

Why You'll Love Working at the YMCA

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young children.
• Supportive team environment with experienced educators.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities for career growth within the YMCA.
• Meaningful work that strengthens children, families, and the community.

Required

Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Completion of at least two years of post-secondary education; or
• Associate's degree or higher; or
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or other qualifying Pennsylvania assessment for Teacher Aides.

Preferred Skills

• Passion for early childhood education.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
• Professional, dependable, and enthusiastic attitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced classroom environment.

Required Certifications (or ability to obtain and maintain)

• CPR/AED/Oxygen Administration
• First Aid
• Annual Fire Safety Training
• Required YMCA online risk management trainings
• Ongoing professional development required by Keystone STARS and Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Actively supervise preschool-aged children throughout the day.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and participate in floor activities.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in various weather conditions.