Substitute Early Childhood Aide

Young Wonders Early Childhood Program – YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Schedule: Substitute / As Needed | No Guaranteed Hours | In-Person

Make a Difference in the Lives of Young Children

Are you someone who enjoys working with children and wants your work to have a positive impact? Young Wonders, the early childhood program of the YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County, is seeking caring, dependable, and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Substitute Early Childhood Aide.

This is a substitute position designed to provide classroom coverage based on the needs of the program. There is no guaranteed number of hours, and the schedule will vary depending on organizational and staffing needs. This can be an excellent opportunity for someone seeking flexible work while gaining valuable experience in early childhood education.

The YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County strives to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Our mission is reflected in the way we care for children, families, one another, and the greater community.

About the Role

The purpose of this position is to help provide a high-quality early childhood program in a warm, nurturing, safe, and loving environment where children’s development is enhanced, independence is encouraged, and individuality is respected.

As a Substitute Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, you will support our classroom teaching team and help create an environment where children feel secure, valued, engaged, and excited to learn.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Help prepare and maintain a warm, safe, orderly, clean, and appealing classroom environment that encourages children to explore, learn, and grow.

• Support programming that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of individual children and the group.

• Maintain health and safety requirements established by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), our licensing and governing agency.

• Assist teachers with implementing lesson plans based on the Young Wonders curriculum format and expectations.

• Engage with children throughout the day and encourage their participation in classroom activities and learning experiences.

• Observe, record, and report significant individual and group behaviors as appropriate.

• Use positive, age-appropriate guidance and discipline techniques based on Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline philosophy. Training will be provided.

• Help establish and maintain positive, respectful communication with parents and caregivers.

• Assist classroom staff in maintaining a quality learning environment and satisfactory Environment Rating Scale standards.

• Maintain appropriate records, documentation, and classroom files.

• Build supportive relationships with children from diverse backgrounds, treating every child with dignity and respect and considering each child within the context of their cultural and socioeconomic background.

• Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, conferences, and other professional development opportunities as needed.

• Assist children with toileting needs, including diaper changing when necessary.

• Perform other responsibilities related to the position as needed.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who:

• Are 18 years of age or older.

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Have documented experience working with young children in a formal or informal setting.

• Relate to children with warmth, patience, sensitivity, and joy.

• Demonstrate emotional maturity, stability, and sound judgment.

• Are able to respond appropriately during challenging or crisis situations.

• Have the physical stamina necessary to work actively with young children.

• Are able to lift and carry a child weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Are able to maintain appropriate records and documentation.

• Possess, or are willing to obtain, certification in Pediatric First Aid, Personal Safety, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.

• Are willing to continue their professional development, including working toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Reporting Relationships

The Substitute Early Childhood Aide

• Reports to the Lead Teacher regarding classroom staff, children, parents, lesson plans, and curriculum implementation.

• Reports to the Director or Assistant Director when additional assistance or direction is needed.

• May bring matters requiring further attention to the Executive Director when appropriate and after following established supervisory channels.

Position Details

Job Type: Substitute / As Needed
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Schedule: Variable; based on organizational and program needs
Guaranteed Hours: None
Work Location: In person

Why Join Young Wonders?

At Young Wonders, you will be part of a team committed to creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where children can develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

If you are dependable, flexible, enjoy working with children, and want to contribute to an organization grounded in dignity, equity, and empowerment, we encourage you to apply.