Join our team at the Alexandria Area YMCA Child Care Center as an Assistant Preschool Teacher, where you will help create a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners! This is a full-time position at our YMCA Child Care at Knute Nelson location.

Your Role as a Lead Teacher

Your role is integral to the development and well-being of our youngest learners. Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Develop and implement a daily schedule that includes feeding, napping, playtime, and structured activities.
• Provide constant supervision and ensure the safety and well-being of children in your care.
• Maintain open and positive communication with parents/guardians, including daily updates.
• Work collaboratively and supervise assistant teachers, aides, and other staff members to ensure a smooth operation of the program.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, related field or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience working with young children, including experience as an assistant teacher, student teacher, or similar roles preferred.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with children and familiarity with child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
• Experience in planning and implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) and ability to pass background checks and meet state licensing requirements.

Full-Time Benefits

• Health Insurance with Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Free Family YMCA Membership and Employee Discounts
• 401(A) and 403(B) Retirement Plans
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability

YMCA Child Care at Knute Nelson

YMCA Child Care at Knute Nelson is a warm, family-friendly center with a dedicated team of 12 staff members. We provide nurturing care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years in our 4 classrooms: 2 infant, 1 toddler, and 1 preschool.

Our unique Intergenerational Programming at Knute Nelson fosters skill-sharing between generations. Children bring joy to residents, while residents help children flourish. Weekly visits, singing, and using hallways as classrooms create a warm, family-friendly environment.

EEO Statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment with regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.