Assistant Preschool Teacher

About Us

At the Y's Barkley Early Learning Center, we believe that early childhood is a time for curiosity, discovery, and joyful learning. Our mission is to nurture young minds and support families through high-quality, play-based early education rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Position Summary

The Assistant Preschool Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children ages 3–5. You’ll help foster a sense of wonder, facilitate learning through play, and support children’s social, emotional, and physical development.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about early childhood education and looking to grow within a supportive, mission-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing classroom activities that support the YMCA’s early learning curriculum
• Supervise children to ensure their safety and well-being at all times
• Promote positive behavior management and conflict resolution skills
• Support individual learning styles and developmental needs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and co-workers
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
• Comply with all licensing and YMCA policies and procedures

Why Work at the YMCA?

• Supportive team and positive work environment
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Opportunities for advancement within the YMCA
• Employee perks including free YMCA membership, discounts on programs, and more
• Be part of a meaningful mission to help children grow and thrive

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Philanthropy

Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion

Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management

Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
2. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
3. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
4. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
5. Current CPR (Adult, Infant & Child) and First Aid, AED certifications.
6. Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire.
7. STARS 30 Hour Childcare Basic Training (Must be completed within 3 months of hire date)
8. Must have or be in the process of obtaining the following:

___ Negative TB Test

___ HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training

___ Safe Sleep                          

___ MERIT ID account 

___ Food Handlers Card  

___ Cleared Portable Background Check from MERIT

___ MMR Immunization Record

       9. Willingness to obtain the ECE initial certificate or equivalent (approximately 12 credits).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.