YMCA of Greater Boston
Early Education Apprentice
316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
On-site · Full-time · $16–$18/hr (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026
See your drive time Apply on YMCA of Greater Boston's site
Locations: Woburn, Waltham, Reading, West Roxbury, Roxbury, Longwood, Chinatown, East Boston
Our Early Education Apprenticeship is an amazing, fully PAID opportunity to gain hands-on experience providing instruction in an infant, toddler, or preschool classroom, receive mentorship from senior teachers, and complete the academic coursework required to earn certification as a Teacher.
Position Overview:
Under the direction of the Lead Teacher and Child Development Director, the Assistant Teacher assists in the planning and implementation of classroom curriculum, communicates information to families, and maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and attractive environment. Age-appropriate activities should provide for growth in skill, self-awareness, group relations, and character development. By conducting him/herself in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner, the Assistant Teacher is a role model for children and adults. In addition, he/she ensures focus on programming that promotes healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.
Key Responsibilities
- Keep safety of children as a first priority - with emphasis on an atmosphere that is family-friendly, age-appropriate, inclusive, and conducive to a quality-driven environment.
- By personal example, facilitate the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility with children, staff, and families - must be a positive, healthy role model.
- Use positive and constructive methods of behavior guidance.
- Supervise children and manage transitions smoothly to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.
- Work with the Lead Teacher in the design of the classroom space and maintain facility and supplies at all times.
- Assist the Lead Teacher with relevant assessments on a variety of levels throughout the year by means of progress reports, parent surveys, and program self-assessment.
- Provide children with a well-balanced curriculum of specific, planned learning experiences that support their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
- Utilize curricula which are developmentally and linguistically appropriate; provide for the development, interests and temperaments of individual children; supports school readiness and educational development; and include goals for the knowledge and skills to be acquired by children in various areas of learning.
- Participate in designated hours of training per year.
- Participate in regular staff meetings.
- Assume accountability for all children assigned to classroom and connect daily with parents/guardians.
- Adhere to the rules, regulations and procedures set forth by the YMCA of Greater Boston, the branch location, and the Department of Early Education and Care.
- Perform all duties deemed necessary by branch/program leadership.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Working towards EEC certification of qualifications.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- Skills in working with families, conflict resolution and public relations.
- Knowledge of group process - must agree to work in harmony with other staff.
- Commitment to the philosophy and goals of the YMCA.
- Effective leadership skills and crisis management skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
Benefits
Why work at the Y?The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:
- Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
- Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
- Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
- Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
- A healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive benefits including:
- FREE YMCA Membership for you.
- Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
- Discounted or FREE family membership.
- Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
- Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)