Preschool Teacher

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 the supervisor.

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.

• 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.

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.