The Preschool Assistant Teacher supports the creation of a safe and educational environment by assisting with lesson plans and daily activities. They are responsible for constant child supervision, documenting progress, and maintaining compliance with licensing regulations.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a minimum of 6 ECE units and 350+ days of childcare experience. Required certifications include CPR, First Aid, and health clearances, with a preference for degrees in Child Development.
Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities
Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.
Our Organizational Culture
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become.
With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths.
We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs.
Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships.
Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.
Position Summary
The Preschool Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children enrolled in our program at the Gateway Child Development Center. As part of the teaching team, the Assistant Teacher supports classroom activities, helps plan and lead scheduled lessons, and maintains a positive atmosphere. This role involves working closely with lead teachers, site coordinators, and families to support each child's development. The Assistant Teacher models appropriate behavior and fosters respectful, supportive interactions with children and adults.
All duties must comply with Community Care Licensing regulations and follow the direction of the Lead Teacher and Site Coordinator.
Job Responsibilities
Classroom Support
Assist teachers with preparing and planning lesson plans and daily activities.
Support classroom setup and cleanup.
Help with observing and documenting children's progress for assessments.
Support assessment preparation, including state-mandated paperwork and DRDP observations.
Teach and assist in a preschool classroom serving children ages 2–5.
Actively participate in all daily program activities. Child Supervision & Safety
Maintain constant supervision of all children enrolled in the program.
Respond promptly to incidents and complete all necessary documentation.
Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
Wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water. Communication & Collaboration
Communicate daily with colleagues and families about relevant information (e.g., behaviors, incidents, requests).
Report unresolved issues to the Site Coordinator or Child Development Director.
Attend and contribute to staff meetings and training courses. Program Standards & Compliance
Adhere to the assigned program schedule and follow all ECE program protocols.
Complete all mandatory ADP and Y-USA safety training before the first shift.
Maintain clean and organized indoor and outdoor areas for children and staff.
Attend staff development workshops and apply new learning in the classroom. YMCA Mission & Leadership
Demonstrate YMCA core values: caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
Show a willingness to grow in Cause-Driven Leadership areas:
Advancing our Mission and Cause
Building Relationships
Leading Operations
Developing & Inspiring Others
Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level. The Assistant Teacher must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and respond quickly to the needs of children in both routine and emergency situations. Exposure to cleaning materials, outdoor weather conditions, and typical childhood illnesses is expected. The role also involves regular handwashing and adherence to health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
You must have physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
All employees working with the YMCA are considered to have supervisory or disciplinary action relationships over minors. Fingerprints will be taken upon commencement of employment and will be submitted to the Association Office human resources department prior to beginning the first day of work.
Disclaimers
Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
Salary Description
The Preschool Assistant Teacher position offers a competitive hourly rate of $24.00 - $28.00/ Hour based on qualifications and experience. The hourly rate meets benchmark standards and is in accordance with grant requirements.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
18 years or older
Minimum 6 ECE units, or enrolled in ECE courses
Assistant Teacher Permit or qualified
Must be able to work Monday-Friday (excluding major holidays), assigned 8 hour shifts between 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
350+ days of experience in a childcare setting, 3+ hours per day within 4 years
CPR and First Aid certified (may complete upon hire)
Provide TB and Physical Health clearance prior to hire and every 2 years thereafter
Submit proof of Immunizations for Influenza, Pertussis, and Measles
Fingerprint background check clearance through Community Care Licensing
Preferred Qualifications
AA/BA Degree in ECE, Child Development or related
Associate Teacher Permit or qualified
Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages
Knowledge of DRDP, NAEYC, PITC, Anti-Bias Curriculum, Emergent Curriculum and Reggio Emilia
Market context
California preschool teachers remain in steady demand
In California, preschool teacher roles are commonly sought by early learning programs serving working families, and employers often look for candidates with the required ECE units plus strong communication and child-centered experience. These positions can be competitive because schedules, classroom support, and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and holiday pay vary by site. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page against the original posting, then confirm your ECE units and prepare examples of your work with young children before applying.
