Certified Preschool Teacher

DOWNEAST FAMILY YMCA

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Certified Preschool Teacher for Public Pre-K partnership

Job Title:

Certified Public Pre-K teacher

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Reports to:

Childcare Director
Revision Date :06/01/26

Leadership Level: Leadership
Primary Function/Department: youth services and billing

This position supports the work of the Y, as a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children. The ideal candidate will have experience in early childhood education, classroom management, and curriculum development, with a focus on fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development.

This role involves working closely with children aged 4 to 5 years old, implementing age‑appropriate lesson plans, and supporting their overall growth and well‑being.

• Implement Pre‑K for ME curriculum that is creative, developmentally appropriate and promotes literacy, math, physical education, and social skills.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Manage daily classroom activities, including lesson planning, behavior management, and student engagement.
• Support children's emotional and social development through positive reinforcement and effective behavior management strategies.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to discuss progress and address individual needs related to special education or early intervention programs.
• Conduct assessments using standardized testing when appropriate to monitor developmental milestones.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate effectively with families regarding their child's development.
• Ensure compliance with all childcare regulations, safety standards, and school policies.

• Strong knowledge of childhood development principles and early childhood education best practices.
• Experience in classroom management, lesson planning, and curriculum development tailored for preschool‑aged children.
• Ability to work effectively with children of diverse backgrounds, including those requiring special education or early intervention services.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with children, parents, colleagues, and administrators.
• Familiarity with teaching physical education, literacy education, math concepts, and standardized testing procedures.
• Experience with toddler care, daycare settings, private schools, child care environments is preferred.
• Skills in behavior management techniques to foster positive classroom behavior.
• Ability to adapt teaching strategies for children with varying needs, including those in early intervention programs or requiring additional support.

• At least 21 years of age
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Organized and punctual
• Ability to monitor classroom and staff activities auditorily and visually
• Reliable transportation
• Excellent leadership skills
• Must pass background check

• CPR, first aid, AED certifications within 90 days of hire date.
• Mandated Reporter Training and MRTQ health and safety within 30 days of hire date.
• High school diploma or GED
• Must have one of the following:
  Current Maine DOE Early Childhood Education 081(b-5) endorsement or be willing to obtain one if a teaching certificate is in place.

Equal consideration will be given for relevant past experience when considering employment or advancement, unless state or local laws mandate education attainment.

• 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.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.