Paraprofessional / Teacher Assistant

Help Young Minds Learn, Grow & Thrive! Do you have a passion for working with young children and helping them learn, grow, and discover the world around them? Join the Raritan Bay Area YMCA Preschool team as a Paraprofessional / Teacher Assistant and help create a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where children ages 3–5 feel safe, supported, included, and encouraged to thrive.

For more than 110 years, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA has proudly served the evolving needs of the Perth Amboy community and surrounding area. Today, our Y serves more than 6,000 members through programs and initiatives focused on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

About the role

This full-time position supports the classroom teacher in delivering age-appropriate learning experiences and fostering the social, emotional, and developmental growth of children ages 3–5.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–3:05 p.m.

Pay

$38,000–$47,000 annually

Benefits

• Professional Growth & Training
• Free YMCA Staff Membership and discounted program fees (restrictions apply)
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan – Eligible Upon Hire
• Paid Sick and Personal Time Off
• YMCA Retirement Fund – When Eligible (8% YMCA Contribution / 4% Employee Contribution)

Responsibilities

• Support the Teacher in implementing age-appropriate learning activities, guiding positive behavior, and fostering children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth.
• Supervise and actively engage children during classroom, indoor/outdoor, nap, and other program activities, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Observe and document children’s development, behavior, and health, and communicate concerns appropriately in accordance with program policies and licensing requirements.
• Support children’s personal care and hygiene needs, including toileting, diapering, potty training, handwashing, and other age-appropriate routines.
• Assist with maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment, including monitoring supplies and equipment.
• Build positive and professional relationships with children, families, and coworkers; participate in staff and parent meetings and required training; and follow YMCA policies, emergency procedures, and applicable regulations.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of related experience working in a childcare or early childhood setting, preferably with children ages 3–5. Experience gained through a practicum or student teaching may satisfy this requirement.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with young children and support their individual developmental needs.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within the first six months of employment.