Preschool Assistant Teacher: Lake Norman YMCA

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

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith. 

Essential Functions

• 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. 

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership 

Required Qualifications

• 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 Greater Charlotte. 

Preferred Qualifications

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

Working Conditions

• Classroom and playground environment with moderate noise levels.
• Frequent standing, bending, sitting on the floor, and lifting children or classroom materials.
• Outdoor supervision required in varied weather conditions.
• Work hours may include early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends for special events
  or staff training.
• Requires patience, energy, and adaptability to support young children’s learning and
  development.

Competencies

1. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations 
2. DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential 
3. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence 
4. PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs 

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here: