Preschool Assistant Teacher (4-Year-Old Classroom)
Are you passionate about early childhood education? Do you enjoy helping young children learn, grow, and thrive? Are you a reliable, responsible, and positive team player?
If so, we'd love to meet you! Join the dedicated team at Holly Pond School at the Darien YMCA, where children ages 3–5 build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing and engaging environment.
We are currently seeking a Preschool Assistant Teacher to work in our 4-year-old classroom during the school year (September through June), with opportunities to work in our summer camp program from June through August.
Available Schedule
- Monday–Friday: 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m
As a Preschool Assistant Teacher, you will help provide a high-quality early childhood education experience by supporting each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development while assisting with daily classroom activities under the direction of the Director and Lead Teacher.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Ensure the safety, well-being, and supervision of all children at all times.
- Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming classroom environment that supports children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
- Implement established classroom practices and curriculum based on current early childhood education principles and the individual needs of each child.
- Assist with classroom routines, including transitions, clean-up, and daily activities.
- Prepare and assist with age-appropriate learning activities, projects, and experiences.
- Ensure children's belongings are organized and packed prior to daily dismissal.
- Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Communicate important observations and information regarding children to the Director.
- Participate in required State of Connecticut continuing education, professional development, and training opportunities to maintain and enhance professional competence.
- Work collaboratively with the teaching team to create a positive and engaging classroom experience.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent or at least 540 documented hours of experience working with children (unrelated to you) of the same age group served by the program.
- Must successfully complete all required state background checks and fingerprint screening.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to actively supervise children during all classroom activities.
- Ability to effectively communicate with preschool-aged children, including reading age-appropriate stories and providing age-appropriate instruction.
- Ability to guide children's behavior while maintaining a positive, nurturing learning environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively with fellow staff members.
- Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the program.
Nice to Have
We're especially excited to meet candidates who have:
- Two or more years of classroom experience working with preschool-aged children is preferred.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, or currently pursuing one, is preferred.
- Strong reliability, and a genuine passion for working with preschool-aged children.
If you're enthusiastic about helping young children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships, we'd love to hear from you. Join our team and help make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
The Darien YMCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, or and protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Darien, CT 06820 (Required)
Work Location: In person
