About the Role
As a Preschool Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in fostering the early development and learning of young children, typically aged 3 to 5 years.
Your primary objective will be to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth.
You will design and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that promote cognitive, physical, and language development while supporting each child's individual needs.
Collaboration with parents, caregivers, and colleagues will be essential to ensure a holistic approach to each child's education and well-being.
Ultimately, your work will lay the foundation for lifelong learning and positive attitudes toward education in your students.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Must be 18 years old and a high school graduate, undergoing professional preparation to work with young children.
- Must have twelve (12) semester units in Early Childhood Education or a related field such as recreation, physical education, or units earned toward an elementary teaching credential
- Experience working with young children in an educational or childcare setting.
- Knowledge of early childhood development principles and age-appropriate teaching strategies.
- Basic first aid and CPR certification.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
- Experience with inclusive education practices and working with children with diverse learning needs.
- Familiarity with state early learning standards and assessment tools.
- Training in classroom management and positive behavior support techniques.
- Bilingual abilities or proficiency in a second language.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that support early childhood learning standards.
- Observe and assess children's progress, documenting milestones and identifying areas where additional support may be needed.
- Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming classroom environment that promotes respect, cooperation, and positive behavior.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share updates on their child's development and address any concerns.
- Collaborate with fellow educators and staff to plan events, share best practices, and continuously improve the preschool program.
- Assist the Program Director in the planning and implementation of the daily schedule/curriculum and in their absence assure that the daily schedule/curriculum is implemented as planned.
- Assist in the planning, preparation, implementation, and clean up of the daily curriculum.
- Assist in the planning, preparation, and implementation of the learning environment, and the establishment of interest centers.
- Ensure that materials and supplies needed for the curriculum are present.
- Supervise children in all activity areas, ensuring the proper and safe use of facilities and equipment.
- Attend all staff meetings and training programs.
- Interact with the children being consistent and fair and treating them with dignity and respect.
- Communicate daily with the parents: always greet them and acknowledge them.
- Be sure that all children are signed in and out daily.
- Assist in maintaining required records of program participants.
- Maintain loyalty and professionalism at all times.
- Supports the policies, procedures, and philosophy of the West End YMCA
- Follow all guidelines and regulations of the West End YMCA, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing, and Title 22.
- Assist in other appropriate ways.
- Complete all other duties as assigned.
- This is an in-person job and duties as such cannot be performed remotely.
Skills
- The required and preferred skills are essential for creating an effective and supportive learning environment.
- Strong communication skills enable you to engage with children, parents, and colleagues clearly and empathetically.
- Your knowledge of child development guides the design of appropriate activities that foster growth across multiple domains.
- Organizational skills help you manage lesson planning, documentation, and classroom logistics efficiently.
- Additionally, skills in observation and assessment allow you to monitor each child's progress and tailor your teaching approach to meet individual needs, ensuring all children thrive.
