Child Care - Aide

## Description

Are you caring, dependable, and interested in beginning a career working with children? The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is seeking a Child Care Aide to assist our classroom teachers in providing a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate environment.

Previous professional childcare experience is not required for candidates who meet the applicable education requirements. Training and support will be provided.

### Position Summary

The Child Care Aide assists the Group Supervisor and Assistant Group Supervisor with classroom operations, daily activities, supervision, and care of children in a licensed Pennsylvania Department of Human Services childcare program.

### Essential Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers with the supervision and care of children.
• Help maintain the safety and well-being of children through attentive supervision and appropriate interactions.
• Model appropriate classroom-management practices.
• Support positive behavior through guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate conflict resolution.
• Assist with daily activities that promote children’s confidence, self-image, development, and feelings of self-worth.
• Participate fully in program activities, including classroom activities, field trips, swimming, food service, and cleaning.
• Help maintain clean, orderly, and welcoming classrooms and program areas.
• Complete duties such as cleaning, sweeping, wiping tables, and vacuuming as directed.
• Greet parents and promptly direct questions or concerns to the appropriate classroom teacher or Center Director.
• Report concerns involving children, employees, or program operations to the Center Director in a timely manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of children’s records and other sensitive information.
• Coordinate with classroom staff regarding activities, schedules, breaks, and required staff-to-child ratios.
• Be flexible and willing to adjust working hours when necessary to support classroom coverage.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and professional-development activities.
• Maintain required professional-development records and complete training hours required by state regulations and the STARS program.
• Follow YMCA personnel policies, childcare policies, risk-management practices, and Pennsylvania childcare regulations.
• Model the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the delivery of quality childcare.

## Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following qualification pathways

• High school diploma or GED;
• Eighth-grade education and at least two years of experience working with children; or
• Eighth-grade education and enrollment in an approved training curriculum as described by applicable Pennsylvania childcare regulations.

Additional qualifications include

• Ability to meet the aide qualifications and responsibilities established under Pennsylvania Code, Title 55, Chapter 3270.
• No previous professional childcare experience required for applicants who possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Willingness to learn and accept instruction, coaching, and feedback.
• Ability to communicate positively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, flexibility, emotional maturity, enthusiasm, and a professional attitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively with children, families, supervisors, and other employees.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality due to required staff-to-child ratios.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required clearances, health documentation, orientation, and training.

### Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to sit, walk, bend, twist, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, and reach as required when working with children.
• Ability to lift or move items weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to respond promptly to a child requiring assistance, including reaching a child from a distance of 30 feet within 10 seconds without endangering one’s health.

### Why Work for the YMCA?

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on childcare experience, complete professional training, and develop skills for future growth in early childhood education. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for employees, children, and families.