MECK Pre-K Assistant Teacher: Stratford Richardson YMCA

The MECK Pre-K Assistant Teacher supports the Teacher in implementing a developmentally
appropriate, nurturing classroom environment that promotes learning and growth in preschool-aged children. This role assists in daily instruction, classroom management, and parent engagement while ensuring the physical and emotional safety of every child. The Assistant MECK Pre-K Teacher plays a vital role in supporting the goals of the MECK Pre-K program and helping children build the skills necessary for kindergarten readiness.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally - showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevateHope - promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion - listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity - sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace - showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith - staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty - communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments.

We honor Humility - leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.We live with Joy - celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offerRespect - addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility - performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage inService - going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

Assists the MECK Pre-K Teacher in delivering daily lesson plans and supporting individualizedlearning strategies.

Supervises an assigned classroom of students with the Teacher.

Reinforces classroom expectations and provides consistent, positive behavior guidance.

Helps set up, organize, and maintain a clean, safe, and engaging learning environment.

Prepares materials, bulletin board displays, food service items, and equipment.

Supports daily routines such as arrival and departure, meals, transitions, and outdoor play.

Observes and documents children's development to support Teacher with assessments andplanning.

Builds trusting relationships with children and their families through respectful, supportive
interactions.

Communicates effectively with the Lead Teacher and other staff to ensure classroom consistencyand student success.

Participates in required professional development and contributes to team planning and
improvement efforts.

Ensures all safety, licensing, and YMCA policies are upheld in daily operations.

Assists with preparation for family events and supports parent engagement efforts.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Candidates must meet one of the following qualification pathways:
  1. Enrolled Degree Path:
     • Currently enrolled in an Associate Degree program in Early Childhood Education(ECE), Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or a related field at anaccredited college/university.
     • Must complete a minimum of 6 semester hours annually with a grade of "C" orbetter, as outlined in the official Plan of Study until the degree is earned.
  2. Degree CDA Path:
     • Hold an AA or BA/BS degree in an unrelated field.
     • Must have at least 480 hours (approximately 12 weeks) of experience teaching in a preschool classroom.
     • Must commit to earning the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential withinthe first year of employment and maintain CDA renewal every 3 years thereafter.
  3. High School Enrolled Degree Path:
     • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
     • Enroll in an Associate Degree program in ECE, Child Development, Child andFamily Studies, or a related field at an accredited college/university.
     • Must complete a minimum of 6 semester hours annually with a grade of "C" or better asoutlined in the official Plan of Study until the degree is earned.
       

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years experience working with preschool or school-age children.
• Must pass all required background checks, health screenings, and DCDEE requirements.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Strong interpersonal skills, a nurturing disposition, and the ability to follow classroom routines and take direction.

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
  Spanish bilingual skills preferred.

Working Conditions

• Indoor classroom setting with outdoor activities throughout the day.
• Requires lifting, bending, sitting and kneeling on the floor, and interacting with children at their level.
• May lift up to 40 lbs regularly.
• Possible exposure to illnesses common to young children.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours required for family events, training, or staff meetings.
• Use of technology for classroom instruction, documentation and parent communication required.
• Act swiftly in the event of an emergency.

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. COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
   engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause
4. FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role

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