Youth Development Intern Preschool - Towson
Towson, Maryland, United States of America
Internship
23 hours ago
Key skills
Collaboration
About this role
Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of a Preschool Director, Lead Teacher or other assigned associate, the Youth Development Intern participates in a structured learning experience designed to provide exposure to Early Childhood Education and Youth Development practices within a Y Preschool. The internship complements the intern's academic or workforce development program by providing opportunities to observe, learn, and apply foundational concepts of child growth and development in a supervised classroom environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Participate in a structured internship experience that supports educational and professional learning objectives.
• Observe classroom routines, transitions, and daily operations to gain an understanding of Y Preschool program practices and expectations.
• Learn and apply principles of child growth and development through supervised classroom experiences.
• Participate in age-appropriate learning activities under the direct guidance of classroom associates.
• Participate in coaching conversations, reflective discussions, and performance feedback to support continued learning and professional growth.
• Build relationships with associates and community members while demonstrating the organization’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Complete assigned learning activities, documentation, and internship requirements as outlined by the internship agreement or educational institution.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides associate with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets.
Holds associates accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must meet qualifications established by the Y in Central Maryland.
• Good character, professional demeanor, and the ability to follow directions, accept supervision, and communicate clearly.
• Current enrollment in a program for Early Childhood Education in high school, college, university, vocational program, or workforce development program.
• Required to report to the site on designated workdays in accordance with organizational expectations.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to perform physical duties of supervised positions when necessary.
• Must meet all physical certification and training requirements of the Y.
All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of a Preschool Director, Lead Teacher or other assigned associate, the Youth Development Intern participates in a structured learning experience designed to provide exposure to Early Childhood Education and Youth Development practices within a Y Preschool. The internship complements the intern's academic or workforce development program by providing opportunities to observe, learn, and apply foundational concepts of child growth and development in a supervised classroom environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Participate in a structured internship experience that supports educational and professional learning objectives.
• Observe classroom routines, transitions, and daily operations to gain an understanding of Y Preschool program practices and expectations.
• Learn and apply principles of child growth and development through supervised classroom experiences.
• Participate in age-appropriate learning activities under the direct guidance of classroom associates.
• Participate in coaching conversations, reflective discussions, and performance feedback to support continued learning and professional growth.
• Build relationships with associates and community members while demonstrating the organization’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Complete assigned learning activities, documentation, and internship requirements as outlined by the internship agreement or educational institution.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides associate with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets.
Holds associates accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must meet qualifications established by the Y in Central Maryland.
• Good character, professional demeanor, and the ability to follow directions, accept supervision, and communicate clearly.
• Current enrollment in a program for Early Childhood Education in high school, college, university, vocational program, or workforce development program.
• Required to report to the site on designated workdays in accordance with organizational expectations.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to perform physical duties of supervised positions when necessary.
• Must meet all physical certification and training requirements of the Y.
All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.