Burke Child Care Center

Job Title: Assistant Teacher

Department: Burke Childcare

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer & Director of Childcare

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: On-site

Employment Type: Full time

Why Join YWCA Princeton?

YWCA Princeton is a mission-driven organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We advance this mission through a wide range of programs that foster equity and expand opportunity for women, girls, and marginalized groups at every age and stage of life. Our offerings include early childhood education, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, a Breast Cancer Resource Center, economic empowerment initiatives, racial and gender equity advocacy, and opportunities for professional development and community connection.

About the Role:

As our Assistant Teacher, you will provide supervision, support for lead teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate activities, helps create a safe and nurturing classroom environment, and fosters children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Assist in managing daily routines, keeping learning areas tidy, observing and documenting children's progress, and communicating with parents and staff. You will collaborate with dedicated colleagues and community members who share your commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

What You will Do:

Here's how you will contribute in this role:

Child Safety, Care & Interaction (40%)

• Ensure the safety, security, and nurturing of children at all times (indoors, outdoors, on walks, in hallways, and on field trips).
• Provide personal attention to each child daily, fostering emotional and social development.
• Interact with children at their eye level with calm, natural, and respectful tones of voice.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect, recognizing their unique qualities, gifts, and developmental needs.
• Greet all children, parents, staff, and visitors with warmth and professionalism to build a welcoming environment.

Curriculum & Learning Support (25%)

• Assist in the planning and implementation of the Creative Curriculum.
• Support daily child observations, data collection, and analysis in accordance with the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment program.
• Contribute to children's learning experiences by integrating nurturing, developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist in the preparation and facilitation of parent conferences, reinforcing strong family engagement.

Compliance, Documentation & Operations (20%)

• Participate in daily cleaning routines in compliance with NJ Licensing and Grow NJ Kids requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including attendance, incident reports, medication waivers, and care sheets, in compliance with YWCA Princeton and NJ licensing regulations.
• Communicate professionally, verbally and in writing, with children, staff, and parents to ensure clear and respectful exchanges​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Organizational learning and development (10%)

• Engage in organization-wide training, attend weekly team meetings, participate in all-staff meetings and institution-wide retreats, and develop both professional and personal commitments related to the YWCA-Princeton mission.

We're looking for someone who brings a combination of the following:

Required:

• High School Diploma / GED
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Community College (A.A.).  preferred [Degree or education level,
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children in an early childhood program.
• Hold or get (within 90 days of employment) an ARC, First Aid, CPR/AED certifications for child, infant, and adult
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required
• Must be willing to work with all persons without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status or disability and sexual orientation
• Ability to prioritize, be self-directed and work independently
• Ability to work flexibility with a collaborative team of staff members and volunteers

Preferred (not required):

• Preferred applicant be able to communicate both written & orally in Spanish
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Words, and Excel

We recognize that experience can come in many forms — if you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.

Who You Are: Core Values & Competencies

At YWCA Princeton, success isn't just about what you do — it's how you do it. We value team members who:

• Mission-Driven & Equity-Centered
  
  We work every day to eliminate racism and empower women. Equity guides our decisions, practices, and partnerships.
• Transparent & Trust-Based
  
  We foster open communication, clarity, and respect at all levels. Trust is the foundation of how we lead, collaborate, and grow.
• Growth-Minded & Learning-Focused
  
  We embrace curiosity, feedback, and professional development. Staff are supported in their growth and encouraged to innovate.
• Wellness & Care-Oriented
  
  We prioritize work-life balance and a culture of compassion. Our policies and benefits reflect a deep commitment to employee well-being.

What You Can Expect:

Work Environment & Accessibility:

• Work is performed in-Office
• This role may require [sitting, standing, lifting to 50 lbs., etc.].
• We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Benefits and Compensation:

We offer a competitive compensation package,

• Compensation range: $34,000.00 – $35,000.00, commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off, 13.5 holidays per year, and access to health and wellness benefits.
• Employees also receive professional development opportunities and are welcomed into a values-driven, people-first culture.
• All full-time YWCA employees are entitled to receive a 25% discount on childcare, classes, and summer program fees.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

YWCA Princeton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state (including NJLAD), or local law.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.