Assistant Preschool Teacher

About the Role

Join us at YWCA Greater Cleveland as an Assistant Preschool Teacher and help prepare young children for kindergarten success—especially those facing socio-economic and developmental challenges. You'll work side-by-side with a lead teacher to create a safe, joyful, and structured classroom where every child can learn and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily routine and implement creative, developmentally appropriate lesson plans
• Build warm relationships with children while modeling positive behavior and emotional regulation
• Help children meet key milestones for language, literacy, motor skills, and social-emotional development
• Assist with classroom setup, cleanliness, safety, and behavior management
• Keep up with documentation such as attendance, meal counts, and developmental observations
• Partner with families by communicating progress and celebrating growth
• Track supplies, write newsletter content, and substitute for the Lead Teacher as needed
• Participate in ongoing training and development

Requirements

• CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) or currently enrolled in a CDA program (must complete within 1 year)
• Two years of full-time experience with children ages 0-5
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and engage physically with children (kneel, squat, reach, etc.)
• Valid First Aid/CPR, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse training (or ability to obtain)
• Familiarity with ODJFS licensing standards

Qualifications

• Love working with preschool-age children, especially those facing adversity
• Stay calm and caring in moments of chaos, using structure and patience to support young learners
• Believe in equitable early education and understand the long-term impact of kindergarten readiness
• Can follow and implement lesson plans, learning standards, and routines with consistency
• Are a team player and flexible enough to jump in wherever needed

Preferred

• Associate's Degree or 12+ credit hours in Early Childhood Education
• 3+ years of early childhood experience, including behavioral support strategies