Preschool Assistant Teacher (Full-Time)

Make a Meaningful Impact on Young Lives—Every Single Day

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a caring, dependable, and enthusiastic Assistant Teacher to join our early childhood team. If you have a passion for working with young children and enjoy creating a warm, safe, and engaging learning environment, we’d love to meet you.

This role supports our Lead Teachers in nurturing children during their earliest and most important developmental stages—helping them grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Position Summary:

As an Assistant Teacher, you will work collaboratively with classroom staff to provide a safe, structured, and enriching environment for children. You’ll help implement daily routines and age-appropriate activities while building positive relationships with children, families, and fellow team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Lead Teachers in implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and activities 
• Follow daily schedules including feeding, diapering, napping, playtime, and structured learning
• Provide consistent supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all children 
• Foster a nurturing, positive, and inclusive classroom environment 
• Communicate daily with parents/guardians regarding activities, meals, and care needs 
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth classroom operations 
• Step into a leadership role in the absence of the Lead Teacher as needed

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Some post-secondary education preferred, especially in Early Childhood Education 
• Prior experience working with young children preferred 
• Must be patient, compassionate, dependable, and team-oriented 
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to pass background checks and meet state licensing requirements 
• Willingness to enroll in the Child Development Associate (CDA) program within 30 days of hire 
  • CDA scholarships available for qualified applicants!

• Ability to lift children and light equipment (5–50 lbs) 
• Continuous awareness of child safety and supervision 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout the day 
• Ability to speak and hear clearly 
• Comfortable participating in both indoor and outdoor activities and dressing appropriately for weather conditions

Schedule & Pay:

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 
• Pay: $16.00 – $19.00 per hour (based on experience)

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical Insurance 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Paid Holidays plus Birthday PTO 
• Free YMCA Family Membership 
• Discounts on Child Care and YMCA Programs 
• Health Savings Plan 
• 401(a) and 403(b) Retirement Plans 
• Life Insurance 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 
• Mental Health Benefits, including free counseling sessions 
• Professional Development Opportunities 
• Strong Work-Life Balance

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Alexandria Area YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status under applicable laws.