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.

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.

Position Details

· Position: Full-Time

· Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m.-5:30 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 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.

Position Summary

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.

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

• 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 early childhood education 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 create a positive, 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.