Assistant Preschool Teacher

Description

Job Title: Preschool Assistant Teacher 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Date Prepared: 08/19/2025

Reports to: Child Care Director                                                       

Department: Youth Development

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction and supervision of the Lead Preschool Teacher, the assistant teacher will supervise and guide a child’s development in a safe and healthy environment.

OUR CULTURE:  
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform excellent service to all members, staff, volunteers and guests.
2. Build relationships by using names and initiating conversations with all members, staff, volunteers and guests. 
3. Communicate with supervisor, staff, members, guests, and volunteers in a clear, concise and positive manner while using Listen First skills.
4. Understands, supports and is committed to the YMCA cause and our role in the community as a leader in Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.   
5. Understands, follows and demonstrates the Y Competencies listed below.
6. Attend all required department meetings/trainings. 
7. Punch in and out for required shifts and review time card to verify accuracy. 
8. Notify supervisor in advance when unable to work scheduled shift. 
9. Responsible for assuring high standards of program quality, and safety in accordance with YMCA safety and risk management policies.
10. Follow all policies and procedures as set forth in the employee handbook, department handbook and the emergency response plan manual.
11. Act as a positive role model while implementing YMCA character development and following the four core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect.
12. Help build awareness that the Y is a charitable organization. 
13. Arrive 5-10 minutes before shift starts and be prepared, if closing; stay until the last child is gone.
14. Assist with planning and implementation of daily activities.
15. Be ready to initiate activities, participate in activities and interact with children.
16. Maintain appropriate records as required by the center.
17. Possess working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and proper reporting procedures.
18. Possess working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose, and goals.
19. Keep continuing education requirements current.
20. Adhere to the Child Care Center dress code policy. 
21. Know all emergency procedures.
22. Maintain current CPR.
23. Plan developmentally appropriate activities based on the creative curriculum.
24. Use positive guidance techniques.
25. Integrate the YMCA Character Development materials into all lesson plans.
26. Provide children with opportunities to develop language and literacy.
27. Provide environment which promotes smooth and orderly transition.
28. Promote team building.
29. Conduct self in a professional, responsible manner.
30. Encourage parent involvement in the programs.
31. Perform other related duties as assigned by your supervisor or CEO.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training & Work Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

 YMCA COMPETENCIES

Collaboration
Communication & Influence
Functional Expertise

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meets educational and experience qualifications established by state licensing regulations
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Previous experience working with children in a dev