Early Childhood Intern- Brandywine YMCA Family Location

Our Promise:

Ensure every youth and teen we serve is on a pathway to success
Improve the health and wellbeing of every individual and family we serve
Unite communities and inspire service to others

Benefits & Perks:

12% Employer-Funded Retirement Plan upon meeting eligibility
Learning and development workshops
Career advancement opportunities
Staff Discounts on Programs & Services and more!

Rate of pay: $15.50

The Early Childhood Intern must always be under the direct observation of at least an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and may not be alone with children except as allowed by the Dela care Regulations. Early Childhood Interns that are 18 years of age, cleared by the Criminal History Unit AND have worked at the center for at least 1 month may supervise a group of children ages toddler through school age.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Supervise the children, classroom, and all activities as assigned while exhibiting safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate childcare practices.


• Provide daily care for children including diapering, toileting, feeding, and supporting social/emotional needs.


• Encourage, engage, and support children in all classroom activities including instructional times, mealtimes, transitions, and gross motor activities.


• Implement positive behavior management techniques.


• Assist in planning, implementing and actively participate in daily age-appropriate classroom activities to ensure all children are provided an opportunity to learn.


• Assist in observing children and documenting their progress and development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve a diverse community


• Education and Experience: To meet licensing requirements, the Early Childhood Intern must be at least 16 years of age (or 15 years of age if attending a vocational or technical high school’s three-year program in early childhood education or a traditional high school's career pathway program in early childhood with enrollment documentation on file at the center) and must meet one of the following qualifications:


• Successful completion of at least 15-clock hours of quality assured training in early care & education.


• Successful completion of at least three college or university credits from a regionally approved college or university in either child development or early childhood education.


• Complete a physical & tuberculosis screening and provide a physician’s documentation of both within 30 days of hire.


• Successful completion of a criminal history, child abuse & adult abuse background check as required by the State of Delaware.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills


• Prior experience working or volunteering with youth in a group setting.


• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.


• Knowledge of early childhood education programs and techniques.


• Knowledge of child development theory and practice.


• Have an awareness of the unique needs of young children and have appropriate expectations of their abilities.

The YMCA of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer.  The Y maintains a work environment in which staff are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.  In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit,  hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and staff without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.   Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.