Group Teacher

Full job description
Reports To: Site Coordinator – Afterschool
Department: Afterschool

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Group Teacher plays a central role in creating a safe, structured, and enriching environment for school-age children enrolled in the Yonkers YMCA's Afterschool program. This position supports the Y’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility by facilitating engaging, age-appropriate activities that foster academic success, character development, and positive relationships. Group Teachers work collaboratively with site staff to maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing space where children can achieve, relate, and belong.

WHAT WE STAND FOR:

At the Y, our goal is to support children in three key areas:

Achievement: Helping youth reach personal and academic goals.
Relationships: Fostering friendships and mentorship through shared experiences.
Belonging: Ensuring every child feels valued, included, and part of something greater.
Group Teachers are responsible for activating this mission every day through high-quality care, creative engagement, and genuine connection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children by maintaining appropriate supervision, adhering to OCFS ratio requirements, and managing transitions effectively throughout the program day.
Plan and implement structured daily activities and lesson plans that are age-appropriate and promote development in key areas such as literacy, STEM, creative arts, SEL, nutrition, physical fitness, and cultural awareness.
Facilitate homework support, academic skill-building, and enrichment activities, reinforcing learning and creating opportunities for exploration and achievement.
Create and maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming program space, setting up materials in advance and sanitizing surfaces and supplies as needed.
Prepare and lead weekly or seasonal projects, such as culminating events, youth showcases, or group initiatives that highlight learning and creativity.
Support children’s social-emotional development by modeling and reinforcing positive behavior, using strength-based approaches, and implementing behavior guidance strategies that reflect YMCA values.
Promote inclusion by accommodating diverse learning needs, creating a supportive environment for children with IEPs or other individualized plans, and collaborating with supervisors and families as needed.
Assist in food/snack service, fostering a calm, family-style mealtime experience that encourages healthy eating habits and conversation.
Maintain accurate and timely program documentation, including attendance records, behavior reports, incident/accident logs, sign-in/out forms, and development tracking as required.
Participate in all required training, drills, and safety procedures, including fire drills, emergency preparedness, and OCFS-mandated professional development hours.
Collaborate with the Site Coordinator and team members to ensure consistency in program implementation, child supervision, and family engagement.
Develop strong, ongoing relationships with parents and caregivers, including regular updates on children’s progress, daily informal check-ins, and assistance with family events.
Represent the YMCA mission and values in all interactions with children, staff, families, and community members, serving as a role model of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Communication & Influence
Developing Self and Others
Program & Project Management
Child & Family Engagement
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must meet one of the following education and experience criteria:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and at least 1 year of experience working with children
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and 3 years of experience
Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification and enrollment in an OCFS-approved study plan leading to an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field to be completed within two (2) years

Additional Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years of age
CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse children and families
Strong interpersonal skills and classroom management ability
Experience working in school-age, afterschool, or summer youth programs preferred
Must meet all OCFS eligibility and fingerprinting requirements.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Availability Requirements:

School-Year Hours: Monday–Friday, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
As Needed for:
Half-Days: 11:15 am – 6:00 pm
Vacation Camp Days: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to actively supervise and engage with children in indoor and outdoor settings.
Able to move throughout the site and participate in physical activities with children.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds as needed.
Must be flexible with work assignments and location coverage within the SACC program.
JOIN OUR TEAM:

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families in Yonkers. If you’re passionate about child development, community building, and equity-driven youth work, we invite you to join us.