EEC Certified Teacher: Preschool

EEC Certified Teacher:
Preschool –
YMCA of the USA

Join our preschool team at West Suburban YMCA (WSY) as a full‑time, EEC‑certified teacher. We look for a flexible, collaborative, and creative educator who brings heart to everything they do—whether it’s puppetry, lesson planning, or maintaining a glitter‑free classroom. The role supports the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Providing direction for 2.9–5‑year‑old children, the teacher implements the program curriculum, creates engaging learning experiences, and builds a sense of belonging for children and families. During the summer months the teacher transitions to Camp Pikati with the same 2.9–5‑year‑old group.

Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 5:45 pm (preschool operates 7:45 am to 5:30 pm)

Full‑time position with a summer camp transition (Camp Pikati).

• Hourly rate $23.00–$28.00, depending on education, experience and certifications.
• Generous benefits package:
• 12% retirement contribution upon vesting.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Group health insurance (vision, dental, prescription).
• Life insurance.
• YMCA membership.
• Access to child care services.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development opportunities.

• EEC Teacher Certificate.
• Minimum of 9 months supervised work experience if 3 college credits in Child Development coursework.
• OR Minimum of 3 months supervised work experience if Associates’ or Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• OR Minimum of 6 months supervised work experience with a Bachelor’s in an unrelated field.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Commitment to the YMCA’s anti‑racist work and willingness to vocalize with members if needed.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age‑appropriate, developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Positive role model, team player.
• Reliable, consistent, and professional.
• Must report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
• Previous experience with diverse populations and ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Understanding that YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Implements curriculum within established guidelines.
• Assists lead teacher in creating and preparing weekly curriculum plans according to director’s instructions.
• Supports children through purposeful programs dedicated to building achievement and belonging.
• Supervises classroom activities, including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Active support of DEIB statement and commitment to equity, diversity, belonging, and inclusion.
• Assists lead teacher with systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships, conducts parent conferences, and engages parents as volunteers.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Provides variety of learning materials and resources for educational activities.
• Demonstrates skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.
• Maintains required program records.
• Follows all safety, EEC, and WSY protocols and regulations.
• Attends family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including summer camp training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• EEC Teacher Certification.
• CPR & First Aid Certification.
• Required online trainings prior to first shift.

Full‑time

Entry level