Assistant Teacher InternAt — YMCA of Orange County

The assistant teacher/group instructor position supports the daily operations of an after-school program by helping create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for students. Assistant Teachers work collaboratively with site leadership to supervise students, facilitate activities, and promote positive behavior during program hours. Key responsibilities to this role are as follows:

• Assist with supervising elementary school students during after-school hours, including indoor and outdoor activities

• Support lead teachers in implementing enrichment activities such as homework help, arts and crafts, games, STEAM, and physical activity

• Help maintain a safe, organized, and positive learning environment

• Model appropriate behavior and reinforce program expectations and school rules

• Assist with snack distribution and ensure students follow health and safety guidelines

• Monitor student attendance and transitions between activities

• Build positive relationships with students and support their social-emotional development

• Communicate concerns or notable student behavior to lead staff or site coordinator

• Assist with set-up and clean-up of activities and program spaces

• Follow all school, district, and program policies and procedures

Tasks:

Throughout the placement, interns will participate in job shadowing with experienced assistant teachers and site leadership.

Assist with planning, implementing, and facilitating enrichment activities, including academic support, social-emotional learning, arts and crafts, and physical activities

Supervise elementary-aged students during structured and unstructured program times while ensuring safety and positive engagement

Apply age-appropriate behavior management strategies and support positive student behavior

Observe and assist with classroom management, student transitions, and group organization

Gradually assume increased responsibility in leading small-group activities under staff supervision

Support students’ social-emotional development and model appropriate behavior and communication

Build positive, professional relationships with students and program staff

Assist with attendance tracking and routine program documentation

Support snack distribution and follow health and safety guidelines

Participate in mentoring check-ins, feedback sessions, and reflective discussions related to professional growth

Training:

Students placed at the site will receive a structured onboarding and ongoing training to support their learning outcomes. Training will include an initial general orientation, during which interns are introduced to the after-school program’s mission, daily routines, safety procedures, behavior expectations, and school-site policies. This orientation will also cover mandated reporting responsibilities, child supervision standards, and professional conduct.

Throughout the placement, interns will participate in job shadowing with experienced assistant teachers and site leadership to observe effective classroom management, student engagement strategies, and activity facilitation. Interns will gradually transition from observation to active participation under staff supervision.

Interns will receive ongoing mentorship, including regular check-ins with the site coordinator or lead staff member to review assigned tasks, reflect on experiences, and receive feedback. Training will also include hands-on skill development, such as assisting with activity planning, facilitating small-group instruction, supporting behavior management strategies, and assisting with daily program operations.

Additional learning will be supported through guided reflection, exposure to real work samples (lesson plans, behavior logs, attendance procedures), and contextual explanations of how assigned tasks align with program goals and student needs. Training is designed to ensure interns gain practical, professional experience in an elementary after-school educational setting.

Learning Outcome:

Demonstrate effective child supervision and behavior support strategies
Apply age-appropriate behavior management techniques to support positive behavior, ensure safety, and respond appropriately to challenging situations with elementary-aged students.

Plan and facilitate engaging activities for elementary students
Assist in designing and leading enrichment activities (academic, social-emotional, creative, or physical) that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with program goals.

Build positive, professional relationships with students and staff
Establish respectful and supportive relationships with children while collaborating effectively with site coordinators, assistant teachers, and school-day staff.

Understand the structure and operations of an after-school program
Gain insight into daily program routines, licensing or district expectations, attendance procedures, safety protocols, and communication practices within an elementary after-school setting.

Reflect on professional growth and career interests in education or youth development
Identify personal strengths and areas for growth through feedback, observation, and self-reflection, and connect internship experiences to future academic or career goals.