Preschool Teacher – Opener
Description
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 and Schedule
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 Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays plus Birthday PTO
- Free YMCA Family Membership
- Discounted Child Care and 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 Opportunities
Work-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.