Recreational Elementary Education Internship (Fall 2025) -Beverly YMCA

A Little Bit About the Y…
At the YMCA of the North Shore, we believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. With child care programs offered at every one of our facilities—and over 30 afterschool sites—we’re proud to serve families across the region.

The Sterling Center YMCA provides high-quality school-age programming at six local elementary schools, as well as a newly opened Children’s Enrichment Center on the Sterling campus. Our afterschool programs help elementary-aged children in Beverly build self-confidence, positive values, academic achievement, and strong interpersonal skills—all while having fun! Children participate in homework help, STEM, arts and crafts, literacy, enrichment activities, and more. Our programs are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and offer a unique blend of education and recreation that nurtures the whole child.

About the Internship…
A career in education goes far beyond the classroom—and so does this internship. The Recreational Elementary Education Internship is a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of child development through engaging activities like group games, social-emotional skill building, peer modeling, and enrichment programming. Interns will gain valuable experience in curriculum implementation, program management, classroom strategies, and community impact.

On a Typical Day, You’ll…

• Participate directly in afterschool programming and model positive behavior

• Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities

• Learn and implement classroom management techniques and child safety practices

• Develop communication skills by working closely with staff, students, and families

• Apply best practices in transitions, group engagement, and program flow

• Understand how licensing regulations influence quality and consistency in childcare

You’ll Also…

• Learn about YMCA culture and the impact of our mission-driven work

• Meet with executive leadership and expand your professional network

• Explore career paths in education, social services, and youth development

This Internship Might Be for You If You…

• Love working with children and want to make a difference

• Are exploring careers beyond traditional classroom teaching

• Thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented, and fast-paced environment

• Are a natural role model and enjoy mentoring young people

• Are open to learning, growing, and trying new things every day

In Conclusion…
Interns will complete a final cumulative project designed as part of their learning agreement and present it at the end of the internship experience.

The Details
🗓️ Duration: 14–16 weeks (one semester or based on school requirements)
⏰ Hours: Up to 30 per week; flexible to meet internship criteria (minimum 10–20 hours/week hands-on)
📍 Location: Greater Beverly YMCA
💵 Compensation: $17-$19, depending on experience
🎁 Perks: Free YMCA membership and discounts on YNS programs and activities

Qualifications

1. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Applicants must be attending college or university and seeking experience within a related field of study to be considered for an internship.

2. Demonstrated interest in education, social work, childcare, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis, physical education, recreation, non-profit management, or related field of study.

3. Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with people of all ages, including experience working with young children.

4. Highly motivated, dependable, and flexible.

5. Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.

6. All interns must complete and submit an application to be considered for a position with YNS.  

7. Interns will partner with hiring manager to submit and complete internship learning agreement submitted to the Director of Operations or Executive Director and HR Office.

8. Interns may only participate in one internship paid or unpaid within the YNS organization at a time.  Requests for consecutive internships will be reviewed by the intern managers.

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.