Lead Preschool Teacher

Help shape young minds in a supportive, mission-driven environment. The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to join our Child Care team. If you are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education, enjoy building meaningful relationships with children and families, and are looking for a workplace that values collaboration and professional growth, we encourage you to apply. This is more than a teaching position—it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

About the Role

Working under the direction of the Child Care Director, the Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while overseeing all aspects of the preschool classroom. This role also provides leadership and support to assistant teachers and classroom staff while ensuring compliance with Minnesota licensing requirements and YMCA standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that support children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Create a structured daily schedule that balances learning, play, meals, rest, and outdoor activities.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Build positive relationships with children and families through consistent communication and partnership.
• Supervise, mentor, and support assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers.
• Maintain classroom records and documentation while ensuring compliance with Minnesota DHS licensing requirements and YMCA policies.
• Collaborate with the Child Care Director and fellow teaching staff to provide high-quality programming and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Be committed to the mission and goals of the YMCA and Child Care Center.
• Must meet DHS Rule 3 Teacher qualifications. Post-secondary education and formal child care experience is required. Credits and hours required vary based on area of study and degree (if any) earned.
• Three or more years of experience in the early childhood arena is preferred but not required.
• Must complete and have a non-disqualified background study record.
• Must be certified in CPR and First Aid or obtain within the first 90 days of employment.
• Proof of completion of SIDS, Abusive Head Trauma, Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting before interaction with children.
• Must take CACFP food program training and YMCA 101 within the first 90 days of employment.

Physical Demands

• Must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and may be required to lift children and light equipment (5-50lb).
• Must be in constant awareness of the children’s safety, ensuring that activities follow rules and regulations which limit risk to the participants.
• Required to speak and hear.
• Required to reach with and use hands and arms.
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must dress appropriately for the weather as both indoor and outdoor activities are scheduled.

Schedule

Monday-Friday | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. No evenings or weekends.

Pay

$19.00-$22.00 per hour, based on qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays Plus Birthday PTO
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Discounts on YMCA Programs
• Health Savings Plan
• 401(a) and 403(b) Retirement Plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans
• Mental Health Benefits – including free mental health sessions
• Professional Development
• Work-Life Balance