Preschool Assistant Teacher - Hickory

This role supports the lead teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children. The Assistant Teacher assists with classroom management, lesson implementation, and daily supervision to promote children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, working collaboratively with the preschool team to ensure a high-quality program aligned with YMCA values and early childhood best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the preschool teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities
• Supervise and interact with children to promote a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment
• Assist with classroom management, ensuring children’s safety, well-being, and active participation
• Help with daily routines, including mealtimes, rest periods, toileting, and transitions between activities
• Encourage social-emotional growth, modeling positive behaviors and reinforcing YMCA core values
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, following all health and safety regulations
• Communicate with families and staff, providing updates on children’s progress and classroom activities
• Monitor children’s development and behavior, reporting any concerns to the lead teacher or preschool director
• Assist with classroom setup and cleanup, ensuring materials and supplies are well-maintained
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development to improve teaching effectiveness
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment, including following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with children, families, and coworkers
• Ability to implement positive behavior management strategies and support children’s social-emotional growth
• Patience, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with young children
• Commitment to following YMCA policies, state childcare regulations, and early learning best practices
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, kneel, and engage in hands-on activities
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting the lead teacher and other staff
• All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Catawba Valley

Qualifications

• Coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred
• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or educational setting preferred

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Contribution

Pay

USD $13.00 - USD $15.00 /Hr.