Pre-K Counts Teacher Aide
Location: Reading YMCA
Hourly Rate $24.06
Help Shape Young Minds Every Day!
The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is looking for a caring, energetic, and dependable
Pre-K Counts Teacher Aide to join our Early Learning team. If you're passionate about working with young children and want to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, play-based learning environment, we'd love to meet you!
As a Teacher Aide, you'll work alongside a certified Lead Teacher to create a safe, engaging classroom where preschool children can learn, grow, and prepare for kindergarten success.
What You'll Do
- Support the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing engaging, age-appropriate learning activities.
- Foster a positive, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels safe and valued.
- Encourage learning through play while promoting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
- Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, outdoor play, and transitions.
- Maintain accurate attendance and classroom records.
- Assist with classroom organization, cleanliness, and learning center setup.
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with families.
- Help ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS, DHS, ELRC, and YMCA standards.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Support the YMCA mission by creating welcoming experiences for children and families.
Why You'll Love Working at the YMCA
- Make a lasting difference in the lives of young children.
- Supportive team environment with experienced educators.
- Paid training and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for career growth within the YMCA.
- Meaningful work that strengthens children, families, and the community.
Required
Candidates must meet
one of the following qualifications:
- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary education; or
- Associate's degree or higher; or
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or other qualifying Pennsylvania assessment for Teacher Aides.
Preferred Skills
- Passion for early childhood education.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
- Professional, dependable, and enthusiastic attitude.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced classroom environment.
Required Certifications (or ability to obtain and maintain)
- CPR/AED/Oxygen Administration
- First Aid
- Annual Fire Safety Training
- Required YMCA online risk management trainings
- Ongoing professional development required by Keystone STARS and Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Actively supervise preschool-aged children throughout the day.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and participate in floor activities.
- Lift and move up to 50 pounds as needed.
- Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in various weather conditions.