Infant Assistant Teacher

Help Build the Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a caring and compassionate Infant Assistant Teacher to join our Child Care team at our Vivie location. If you have a passion for working with infants, enjoy building meaningful relationships with children and families, and are looking for a workplace that values teamwork and professional growth, we encourage you to apply.

As an Infant Assistant Teacher, you'll help provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where our youngest learners receive the care, encouragement, and experiences they need to thrive. Working alongside our Lead Teachers, you'll play an important role in supporting each child's early development while creating trusting relationships with families during some of their child's most important developmental milestones.

Position Details

· Position: Full-Time

· Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

· No evenings or weekends

· Pay: $16.00-$18.00 per hour, based on qualifications

Why Join the Alexandria Area YMCA?

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 Vivie Child Care Center offers a welcoming, family-focused environment with four classrooms serving children from 6 weeks through preschool. As a member of our team, you'll work alongside dedicated early childhood professionals who support one another and are committed to providing exceptional care for every child.

Located within Vivie, our center also offers a unique intergenerational experience where children regularly interact with older adults through shared activities, helping foster kindness, connection, and a strong sense of community.

Whether you're beginning your career in early childhood education or looking to continue growing your experience, the YMCA offers a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and your work makes a difference every day.

Position Summary

Working under the direction of the Child Care Director and Lead Teacher, the Infant Assistant Teacher helps implement developmentally appropriate activities, supports daily classroom routines, and provides a safe, caring environment where infants can grow, explore, and reach important developmental milestones. This position works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to provide high-quality care while maintaining Minnesota licensing requirements and YMCA standards.

Essential 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.

Full-Time 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

• Meet Minnesota DHS Assistant Teacher qualifications.
• Have some post-secondary education, preferably in Early Childhood Education or a related field, and/or experience working in a licensed early childhood setting.
• Demonstrate patience, compassion, and a genuine passion for working with toddlers.
• Have a strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Possess strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification.
• Successfully complete all required background studies and licensing requirements.

Physical Demands

• 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.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about caring for infants and want to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Alexandria Area YMCA and help provide a safe, nurturing start for our youngest learners while making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.

Apply today, we look forward to meeting you!

EEO Statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.