Toddler Assistant Teacher
Help Little Learners Grow Every Day. The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a caring and enthusiastic Toddler Assistant Teacher to join our Child Care team. If you enjoy working with young children, value building meaningful relationships, and are looking for a workplace that supports your professional growth, we encourage you to apply.
About the role
As a Toddler Assistant Teacher, you'll play an important role in creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive. Working alongside our Lead Teachers, you'll help provide the care, encouragement, and learning experiences that make a lasting impact on young lives.
Working under the direction of the Child Care Director and Lead Teacher, the Toddler Assistant Teacher helps implement developmentally appropriate activities, supports daily classroom routines, and provides a safe, caring environment where toddlers can learn and grow. This position works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to provide high-quality care while maintaining Minnesota licensing requirements and YMCA standards.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing engaging, age-appropriate learning activities and daily routines.
- Help create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing classroom environment.
- Encourage children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through positive interactions and play.
- Maintain active supervision while ensuring children's health and safety.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff members.
- Communicate professionally with parents regarding their child's daily experiences and development.
- Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and daily documentation.
- Support compliance with Minnesota DHS licensing requirements and YMCA policies.
- Step into additional classroom responsibilities when the Lead Teacher is unavailable, as assigned.
Requirements
- Must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and may be required to lift children and light equipment (5-50lb).
- Must be in constant awareness of the children’s safety, ensuring that activities follow rules and regulations which limit risk to the participants.
- Must be able to speak and hear clearly.
- Must be able to reach, lift, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as needed.
- Must dress appropriately for indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays Plus Birthday PTO
- Free YMCA Family Membership
- Discounts on YMCA Programs
- Health Savings Plan
- 401(a) and 403(b) Retirement Plans
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans
- Mental Health Benefits – including free mental health sessions
- Professional Development
- Work-Life Balance
Pay
$16.00-$18.00 per hour, based on qualifications
Schedule
Full-Time, Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. No evenings or weekends
About us
The Alexandria Area YMCA is committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our child care program provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn through play, exploration, and positive relationships. Our center includes eight classrooms serving children from 6 weeks through kindergarten readiness.
As a member of our team, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and committed to helping one another succeed. Whether you're beginning your career in early childhood education or looking to continue growing your experience, the YMCA offers a supportive team environment where your work is valued and your contributions make a difference every day.