YMCA of San Diego County·San Diego, California
The Head Teacher is responsible for the overall supervision, safety, and cognitive development of children aged 2 to 5. This includes planning and implementing a play-based curriculum and maintaining positive relationships with parents.
Overview The YMCA Preschool Program is designed to support the growth and success of children cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially. Using developmentally appropriate materials, curriculum and activities in a play based environment, your child will be supported in learning social skills, Kindergarten readiness skills and engage in physical activities. The Preschool Head Teacher will be responsible for the overall supervision of children ages 2 years to 5 years of age, plan and implement activities for participants for the Preschool at the Dan McKinney Family YMCA branch location. For more on Y Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) Schedule: Location: Dan McKinney Family YMCA Preschool runs Monday-Friday, year-round Work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 3:00pm (not all those hours) Part-time 2 Year Old Classroom Specific age enrolled : 2 to 5 years old
Ensure the supervision and safety of children at all times Comply with Community Care Licensing regulations at all times Plan, supervise and implement the program in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA Plan and coordinate activities that fit children’s developmental needs and interests Interact consistently and fairly with children, and treat them with dignity and respect in accordance with the YMCA Code of Conduct Plan and implement daily schedule and curriculum Communicate with parents effectively and create positive relationships General housekeeping of program space and food preparation Attend all mandatory staff meetings, trainings and preschool special events Maintain loyalty and professionalism at all times Adhere to branch dress code Must be highly dependable Has a warm and friendly personality, while having sensitivity to meet the needs of a diverse population Willingness to fulfill the job responsibilities in accordance with the with the program and branch goals Physical ability to lead and interact in active sports and games with children, monitor behavior requiring separation, and interact in curriculum activities and housekeeping responsibilities Able to relate well to both children and adults. Ability to provide leadership and stability for program continuity Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to respond in emergency situations Physical ability to lead outdoor play, games and activities Other duties as assigned
Must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate 24 units in Early Childhood Education (ECE). AA or BA in Early Childhood Education is highly desirable. Minimum of 3 years working in a child care center of comparable group setting. Experience implementing emergent curriculum preferred Sincere interest in working with children ages 2-5 years old Basic computer skills required Proficiency in reading and writing English A physical and TB test within 7 days of hire Must provide proof of current Measles (MMR), Pertussis (TDap), and Influenza immunizations within 7 days of hire Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire, unless specified otherwise on contract, and must be from one of the following: American Red Cross American Heart Association American Safety & Health Institute YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement. Pay Range USD $24.00 - USD $27.17 /Hr.
Candidates must be high school graduates with 24 units in Early Childhood Education and at least 3 years of experience in a childcare setting. Required certifications include Pediatric CPR and First Aid, along with specific immunization records.
Market context
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.