Associate Preschool Teacher

This position supports the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA is seeking a caring and enthusiastic Associate Preschool Teacher to join our new Preschool Program at the Hampton Center. As the Associate Teacher, you will assist with curriculum implementation, classroom management, supervision, and family communication while helping children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively in a nurturing environment.

Schedule: Full-Time Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm

Organization Paid Benefits: Life, 401a Retirement, YMCA Membership, EAP

Optional Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403B/Roth Savings, PFMLA

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and engaging daily activities.
• Supervise, engage, and ensure the safety of children through play-based learning experiences. 
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Support children's social-emotional growth and school readiness skills.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Use positive behavior guidance techniques consistent with YMCA philosophy and best practices. 
• Observe and document children's progress as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with families regarding children's daily experiences and progress, as appropriate.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Follow all NH licensing regulations and YMCA policies.
• Assist with maintaining attendance records, incident reports, and other classroom documentation.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification
• Adhere to policies related to professional boundaries with children and families.
• Complete all required abuse risk management and other mandatory trainings.
• Promote and model the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• NH Associate teacher qualified
• (l) An associate teacher in a center-based program shall be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, including but not limited to General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a High School Equivalency Test (HiSet), or a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), and have one of the following options: 
• Written documentation from or on file with the department that the individual working as an associate teacher qualified for and was employed in the position of an associate teacher on or before November 6, 2017, with no break in service as an associate teacher since receipt of the approval; 
• · A minimum of 9 credits in related coursework, awarded by an accredited college or university, including at least one 3 credit course in child or human growth and development; 
• Certification as para II educator by the department of education and 1000 hours of experience in a public or private school, including experience with children up to age 8; 
• A minimum of 1000 hours of supervised child care experience in a licensed child care program, and knowledge of child growth and development obtained through one of the following: 

1. Completion of a high school level 2-year career and technical education course in teacher education; 
2. A 3-credit course in child or human growth and development, awarded by an accredited college or university; or 
3. Thirty hours of training in child growth and development, granted by an accredited college or university, an authorized provider of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training or obtained through documented life experience, including experience with the same age children the associate teacher supervises, such as a family child care provider, service as a foster parent, work as a school teacher, work as a He-C 4002 Adopted Rule 8/26/25 66 Return to Table of Contents camp counselor and experience as a group leader for children in sports or other activities, such as scouts or little league, or closely related experience; or 

• At least one 3 credit course in child or human growth and development plus 3 years as a licensed family child care provider or as the child care manager
• CDA Credential
• Prior childcare experience
• Knowledge of child development and positive behavior guidance practices
• CPR & First Aid or ability to obtain through the SDYMCA

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, and move quickly throughout the classroom and playground.
• Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to remain alert and respond promptly to children's needs and emergency situations.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and exercise sound judgment in stressful, fast-paced, or emergency situations while maintaining a safe environment for children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.

Southern District YMCA is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of SDYMCA to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.