Impact Lives
Turn your passion for helping kids achieve into a fulfilling career with the Y. With centers in 15 locations around the Portland and Vancouver metro area, there are so many opportunities to get involved. We are looking for people committed to our mission and be engaged in strengthening our youth development programs. If you want to serve your community at the YMCA in our Early Childhood Development and Before and After School Enrichment programs you have come to the right place.
Join Our Child Care Team
Youth Development | Nurturing the Potential of Every Child
With holistic support, children can develop the skills they need to be successful in life. The Y believes that youth development is the social-emotional, cognitive and physical process that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful development process fulfills children's innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, competent and healthy. The Y nurtures youth through the development process, helping them realize their potential to be active, thriving and contributing members of society.
You can be part of that process, apply today.
What to Expect as a member of the Child Care Team
- Childhood Development Centers
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Our 15 centers are located throughout the Portland and Vancouver regional area. All of our centers provide care for children ages infant through 5 years, and 11 centers offer before and after school enrichment programs. It takes a strong team of dedicated and nurturing individuals to create the supportive learning space where young minds can grow and we are always looking for individuals to join our team.
- Coordinators
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The Child Development Center Coordinator is responsible for many of the general administrative and management functions of the center. The Coordinator provides support to the Program Director, acting as the “right hand person” and is responsible for the management of the center when the Director is not present for short periods of time. This is usually full-time position.
- Teachers and Lead Teachers
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YMCA Teachers and Lead Teachers work together to plan and implement a safe, developmentally appropriate setting for the children in the classroom. Teachers supervise Aides and Volunteers while ensuring a safe and enriching environment for children. Positions are Part-Time, Part-Time Plus and Full-Time, depending on the needs of the center.
- Teacher Aides
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Our Teacher Aides work have the opportunity to work alongside the Teachers assisting in daily activities and curriculum making the classroom routine run smoothly. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a career in early childhood education.
- Cooks
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Having the opportunity to provide nutritious meals to growing minds, the Cook in YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Child Development Centers is responsible for the service of healthy snacks and meals to children in the program. The Cook interacts with the children and may even be able to assist teachers with children on occasion.
- After School Care Programs "School Age"
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The children who participate in our school enrichment programs make friends and learn new skills through a wide range of activities. Our School Age team are dedicated at elementary schools and child development centers throughout Portland and Vancouver providing high quality care to children in grades 1–5.
- Site Directors
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The YMCA Site Director is responsible for the daily administration of the before and after school childcare program. Positions are generally Full-Time, Monday–Friday, with approximate hours 6 AM–8:30 AM and 2 PM–6 PM, except for School District holidays. The remainder of the work day is spent developing a professional partnership with the elementary school administration, curriculum prep work and staff meetings.
- Program Leaders
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Program Leaders work alongside the Site Director to implement a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom environment for children. The schedule requires availability to work after school hours (2 PM–6:30 PM) and/or morning hours (6 AM–8:30 AM).
- Program Aides
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Aides play a key role in the operation of a smooth after school care program. While assisting with curriculum, Program Aides have the opportunity to strengthen their skills in child development by interacting with the kids in a variety of activities.
Why join the YMCA Youth Development team?
When you make a commitment to become a Y employee you not only join an organization, you become a part of a family. YMCA of Columbia-Willamette employees enjoy a welcoming atmosphere working with people who care. Employees receive valuable benefits to help enrich their lives. Our goal is to make the Y a place for you to be give back and cultivate your career goals.
- Free YMCA Family Membership
- Program Discounts
- Flexible Schedules
- Paid Time Off
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Program
- Holiday Pay
- College Tuition Reimbursement
- Retirement Plan
- Supplemental Benefits/Discounts
- Wellness Programs
- Career Training and Development
- Community Discounts
Where Curiosity Meets Creativity
We give kids the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in an environment that cultivates lasting relationships. Learn more about our Early Childhood Development programs for kids in the Portland and Vancouver area.
