Preschool Assistant Teacher - Gateway Child Development Center
About the Organization
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco is a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We offer careers with a future, providing opportunities to make a lasting difference in your community.
Our organizational culture is built on values that foster strong communities: Truth & Courage, Authenticity & Accessibility, Dependable & Creative, and Dignity & Empathy. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.
About the Role
The Preschool Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children enrolled in our program. 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 while complying with Community Care Licensing regulations.
Responsibilities
- 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, 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, and Developing & Inspiring Others.
- Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Pay
The Preschool Assistant Teacher position offers a competitive hourly rate of $18.50 – $21.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.