Teacher's Associate at Mahaska County YMCA – Oskaloosa, Iowa

Position Summary:
The Teacher Associate supports the Lead Teacher in providing a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that is creative, flexible, and rich in early childhood learning experiences. This position helps ensure a high-quality experience for children and families while modeling and reinforcing the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Essential Functions:
The Teacher Associate assists with implementing curriculum within established guidelines and supports the planning and execution of daily lesson and activity plans in collaboration with the Lead Teacher. This role helps supervise children, the classroom environment, and all activities to ensure safety and engagement at all times. The Teacher Associate contributes to ongoing observations and evaluations of each child and assists with documentation as required. This position supports positive communication with parents and families, helps engage parents as volunteers, and contributes to a welcoming and inclusive classroom culture. The Teacher Associate helps maintain the program site, classroom materials, and equipment, and supports compliance with licensing regulations, food program standards, and quality initiatives. This role assists with maintaining required program records and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and training sessions. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

YMCA Competencies:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the YMCA’s values and shows a commitment to serving children, families, and the community. Supports volunteer engagement and fundraising efforts when applicable.

Collaboration: Works effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. Builds positive relationships, communicates clearly, listens for understanding, and remains calm and respectful in challenging situations. Supports team collaboration and assists in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Uses sound judgment, adapts learning from one situation to another, and embraces new ideas to enhance the child and family experience. Actively participates in planning, meetings, and goal setting to deliver high-quality programming.

Personal Growth: Pursues ongoing professional development, demonstrates openness to change, and reflects on personal strengths and areas for growth. Maintains the functional and technical skills necessary to perform the role effectively and uses best practices in early childhood education.

Qualifications:
The Teacher Associate must meet educational and experience qualifications established by state law. A two-year degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and successfully complete a criminal background check, immunization requirements, physical exam, and TB test. CPR, First Aid, AED certification, Mandatory Abuse Reporter training, and Child Abuse Prevention training must be completed within 30 days of hire. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting is preferred, along with the ability to plan and support age-appropriate activities. Experience working with diverse populations and the ability to build positive, authentic relationships with individuals from different backgrounds is required.

Physical Demands:
This position requires the ability to plan, support, and participate in activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The employee must be able to lift children or supplies weighing up to 20 pounds and be able to walk, stand, and sit, including sitting on the floor, for extended periods. The role includes bending, kneeling, leaning, and walking throughout the day.

Awesome Perks Just for You! (and our Team)

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

Competitive Pay – Earn a great salary while making a difference!
Room to Grow – You will be joining a Worldwide Fellowship of YMCAs. We believe in developing our team and providing career growth opportunities. Start your Career with us, where you end up is up to you!
Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid time off and holidays to recharge and relax.
Get Paid Faster – With our Work Today, Get Paid Tomorrow option, you won’t have to wait for payday!
Family-Friendly Benefits – Receive discounted child care and program fees to support you and your family.
Stay Active for Free! – Enjoy a free family YMCA membership—because your health matters too!
Flexibility that Fits You – We offer flexible schedules to help balance work and life.

Join us and enjoy a job that’s rewarding in more ways than one!