Preschool Teacher – Opener

Description Help Young Learners Build a Strong Foundation Do you have a passion for helping young children learn, grow, and prepare for their next big step? The Alexandria Area YMCA is looking for a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Preschool & Kindergarten Readiness Teacher to join our Child Care team. As our opening teacher, you'll help create a positive start to each child's day while providing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for preschool and kindergarten-readiness children. You'll work alongside a dedicated team to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can build confidence, independence, and the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. Essential Functions Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.Help create a welcoming and structured start to the day while supporting daily classroom routines and transitions.Provide active supervision and ensure the safety and well-being of children in your care.Guide children's behavior using positive, consistent, and developmentally appropriate child guidance methods.Support children in developing independence, social skills, and kindergarten-readiness skills through play and intentional learning experiences.Evaluate and maintain records of children's progress using formal and informal assessment tools.Maintain open and positive communication with parents/guardians regarding children's development, needs, and classroom experiences.Work collaboratively with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Aides, and other Child Care staff to provide a positive and well-organized learning environment.Follow Minnesota DHS licensing requirements and YMCA policies related to supervision, ratios, documentation, safety, and child guidance. Pay $17.00–$19.00 per hour, based on qualifications Hours Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. No evenings or weekends. Full-Time Benefits Medical InsurancePaid Time Off (PTO)Paid Holidays plus Birthday PTOFree YMCA Family MembershipDiscounted Child Care and YMCA ProgramsHealth Savings Plan401(a) and 403(b) Retirement PlansLife InsuranceShort-Term and Long-Term Disability PlansMental Health Benefits, including free mental health sessionsProfessional Development OpportunitiesWork-Life Balance 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 earned.Three or more years of experience in early childhood education 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 certification within the first 90 days of employment.Proof of completion of SIDS, Abusive Head Trauma, Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting training before interaction with children.Must complete 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 (5–50 lbs.).Must maintain constant awareness of children's safety, ensuring activities follow rules and regulations that limit risk to 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. Ready to Make a Difference? If you're passionate about early childhood education and want to help children build the skills and confidence they need for kindergarten and beyond, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Alexandria Area YMCA and make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Apply today—we look forward to meeting you. EEO Statement The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without 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 absences, compensation, and training.