Early Learning Childcare Teacher, Infant & Toddler Care (Branson Pirate's Cove)

Description

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Infant & Toddler Care Teacher at Cedar Ridge provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children ages 6 weeks through 3 years old. This role supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of young children while maintaining strong communication with families and ensuring all licensing and YMCA standards are met.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide attentive, responsive care to infants, toddlers, and young preschoolers, including feeding, diapering/toileting, resting, and comfort.
• Create a warm, calm, and secure environment where each child feels valued, safe, and supported.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that encourage sensory exploration, language development, motor skills, and early social interaction.
• Support toddlers and 2–3 year olds in developing independence through routines, transitions, and self-help skills.
• Maintain daily schedules and routines that provide consistency while meeting the needs of individual children.
• Communicate daily with families about their child’s care, growth, and milestones.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations, YMCA policies, and health/safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, feeding, diapering, toileting, and incident reports.
• Collaborate with coworkers to create a team-based, supportive environment.
• Uphold the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required; CDA or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood preferred.
• Experience working with children ages 0–3 in a licensed childcare or early learning environment strongly preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Strong communication, patience, and nurturing skills.
• Ability to lift children and items up to 30 pounds and to actively engage in floor play and caregiving routines.
• Wear staff uniform & name badge.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Classroom-based setting within Cedar Ridge YMCA.
• Physical mobility: walking, climbing, stairs, standing, kneeling, bending, leaning, stooping, and sitting for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, lifting, and floor-based caregiving.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Collaborative team atmosphere with ongoing training and support.
• Ability to use phone, tablet, other equipment.
• Ability to hear, listen, speak.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust, and distinguish colors.
• Visual and auditory response to critical situations and ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be louder at times.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION:

• Full-time or part-time schedules available.
• Hours aligned with Cedar Ridge YMCA Early Childhood program needs.
• Compensation commensurate with experience and YMCA pay structure.

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