Child Care - Aide

Are you caring, dependable, and interested in beginning a career working with children? The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is seeking a Child Care Aide to assist our classroom teachers in providing a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate environment.

Previous professional childcare experience is not required for candidates who meet the applicable education requirements. Training and support will be provided.

Position Summary

The Child Care Aide assists the Group Supervisor and Assistant Group Supervisor with classroom operations, daily activities, supervision, and care of children in a licensed Pennsylvania Department of Human Services childcare program.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers with the supervision and care of children.
• Help maintain the safety and well-being of children through attentive supervision and appropriate interactions.
• Model appropriate classroom-management practices.
• Support positive behavior through guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate conflict resolution.
• Assist with daily activities that promote children’s confidence, self-image, development, and feelings of self-worth.
• Participate fully in program activities, including classroom activities, field trips, swimming, food service, and cleaning.
• Help maintain clean, orderly, and welcoming classrooms and program areas.
• Complete duties such as cleaning, sweeping, wiping tables, and vacuuming as directed.
• Greet parents and promptly direct questions or concerns to the appropriate classroom teacher or Center Director.
• Report concerns involving children, employees, or program operations to the Center Director in a timely manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of children’s records and other sensitive information.
• Coordinate with classroom staff regarding activities, schedules, breaks, and required staff-to-child ratios.
• Be flexible and willing to adjust working hours when necessary to support classroom coverage.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and professional-development activities.
• Maintain required professional-development records and complete training hours required by state regulations and the STARS program.
• Follow YMCA personnel policies, childcare policies, risk-management practices, and Pennsylvania childcare regulations.
• Model the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the delivery of quality childcare.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following qualification pathways:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Eighth-grade education and at least two years of experience working with children; or
• Eighth-grade education and enrollment in an approved training curriculum as described by applicable Pennsylvania childcare regulations.

Additional qualifications include:

• Ability to meet the aide qualifications and responsibilities established under Pennsylvania Code, Title 55, Chapter 3270.
• No previous professional childcare experience required for applicants who possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Willingness to learn and accept instruction, coaching, and feedback.
• Ability to communicate positively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, flexibility, emotional maturity, enthusiasm, and a professional attitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively with children, families, supervisors, and other employees.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality due to required staff-to-child ratios.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required clearances, health documentation, orientation, and training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to sit, walk, bend, twist, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, and reach as required when working with children.
• Ability to lift or move items weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to respond promptly to a child requiring assistance, including reaching a child from a distance of 30 feet within 10 seconds without endangering one’s health.

Why Work for the YMCA?

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on childcare experience, complete professional training, and develop skills for future growth in early childhood education. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for employees, children, and families.