Part-time Afternoon Closing Teacher

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM/occasional morning shifts
Status: Part-Time
Location: Attleboro Norton YMCA Childcare Center

General Function

The Part-Time Afternoon Teacher/Closing Teacher supports a safe, welcoming, engaging, and nurturing environment for children enrolled in the Attleboro Norton YMCA’s childcare program.

This position works primarily during the afternoon hours and plays an important role in helping children successfully transition through the end of their day. Responsibilities include engaging with children, supporting classroom activities, communicating positively with families during pick-up, assisting classroom staff, and helping ensure the center is safely and properly closed each evening.

This position may be a great fit for a retired teacher, college student studying education or a related field, or someone who enjoys working with children and is looking for a consistent part-time afternoon schedule.

Know How / Qualifications

• Must meet applicable Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) requirements for the position.
• Education and experience must meet applicable EEC requirements based on the role and age group served.
• Previous experience working with children in a childcare, school, camp, recreation, or similar setting preferred.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and volunteers.
• Demonstrates reliability and the ability to work independently while contributing to a strong team environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must maintain required CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must understand and comply with applicable EEC licensing regulations and YMCA policies.
• Must complete required child abuse prevention and mandated reporter training.
• Must complete required annual professional development and staff training.
• Must demonstrate the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Must be dependable and consistently available to work the scheduled 3:00 PM–6:00 PM closing shift.

Principal Activities

• Support the Lead Teacher and classroom team with afternoon programming and classroom activities.
• Actively engage with children through play, conversation, learning activities, outdoor activities, and other age-appropriate experiences.
• Develop positive, supportive relationships with each child and promote social-emotional development, confidence, and positive behavior.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times and follow all YMCA and EEC health and safety requirements.
• Assist with afternoon snacks, classroom transitions, clean-up, and preparation for dismissal.
• Create a warm and welcoming experience for parents and caregivers during afternoon pick-up.
• Communicate relevant information to families within the scope of the position and refer questions or concerns to the appropriate teacher or supervisor when necessary.
• Ensure children are released only to authorized individuals and that required sign-out procedures are followed.
• Assist with combining classrooms or groups at the end of the day in accordance with required staff-to-child ratios and program procedures.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Complete assigned end-of-day classroom and center closing responsibilities.
• Conduct a final check of assigned areas to ensure children have been safely picked up and classrooms are appropriately secured.
• Ensure materials, equipment, and program spaces are properly stored and secured at the end of the day.
• Follow established procedures for securing doors, lights, equipment, and designated areas of the center.
• Immediately report safety concerns, incidents, injuries, facility concerns, or unusual circumstances to the appropriate supervisor.
• Understand and comply with all requirements related to Massachusetts mandated reporter responsibilities.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, child protection standards, and EEC requirements.
• Participate in required staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Model and demonstrate the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Contribute to a positive workplace by demonstrating teamwork, flexibility, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Child Safety Commitment

The Attleboro Norton YMCA is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children, families, members, volunteers, and staff. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, neglect, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct of any kind.

All employees are expected to follow YMCA child protection policies, Massachusetts mandated reporter requirements, applicable EEC regulations, and established procedures for maintaining appropriate boundaries and active supervision.

YMCA Competencies

Mission Advancement: Demonstrates the YMCA's values and understands how their work contributes to strengthening children, families, and the community.

Collaboration: Builds positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and volunteers. Works effectively as part of a team, communicates respectfully, and remains calm and supportive during challenging situations.

Operational Effectiveness: Demonstrates good judgment, reliability, attention to safety, and the ability to follow established procedures. Takes responsibility for assigned duties and helps ensure the center operates safely and effectively through the end of each day.

Personal Growth: Demonstrates openness to feedback and learning. Participates in required training and professional development and maintains the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care.

An Opportunity to Make a Difference

Looking for a meaningful way to spend a few hours each afternoon? This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and wants to make a positive impact without committing to a full-time schedule.

Whether you are a retired educator, college student, aspiring teacher, or someone who simply loves helping children learn and grow, you can play an important role in helping our children end their day feeling safe, supported, and connected to the Y.