Saratoga Universal-Pre K Teacher

Pay: $21.58/hour - $23.58/hour

*Full-time 10 month position at Dorothy Nolan Elementary

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Saratoga Regional YMCA is hiring for a UPK Teacher and we are excited to have you join our team! This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Lead UPK Teacher will plan and implement daily program activities and curriculum for the assigned classroom. Maintains program quality in accordance with NYS Universal Pre-K (UPK) Curriculum and YMCA program policies. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and promotes safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. 

The SRYMCA offers competitive benefits to all full-time staff including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage.
• Life Insurance (Paid 100% by the SRYMCA).
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance (Paid 100% by the SRYMCA).
• FREE association-wide family membership.
• 401(a) and 403(b) retirement accounts.
• All eligible employees receive the SRYMCA’s retirement contribution of 12% of their biweekly gross earnings.
• Discounts on childcare services, including summer camp.
• 20% discount on program classes for the employee and dependents (subject to availability during regular registration periods).
• 40% discount on childcare services and Day Camps (limited number of discounted slots may be available, depending on enrollments).

JOB PERKS:

• Competitive Pay: We believe in recognizing talent and dedication. Our compensation packages are designed to be competitive within the industry, rewarding your skills and experience.
• Community Impact: The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in your community.
• Free YMCA Membership: Enjoy unlimited access to all SRY facilities, encouraging you to lead a healthy and active life.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Participate in fitness classes, workshops, and wellness initiatives.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team committed to promoting health & wellness both physically and spiritually.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops, plans and implements quality curriculum and student assessments for classrooms and ensures age- appropriate lessons in accordance with Creative Curriculum and YMCA philosophies. 
• Ensure all YMCA and/or UPK guidelines are followed for proper verbal interaction, learn and play techniques, and age-appropriate redirection as a form of discipline. 
• Ensures active participation in planning and implementing activities; and delegate responsibilities to TA as needed. 
• Develops behavioral management plans as necessary. Ensures classroom staff maintain sensitivity and patience with the children and parents and provide care to meet the individual needs of the child/families. Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times, and staff are using appropriate verbal interactions with parents. 
• Maintains accurate and timely records of attendance, progress and behavioral reports, and all other program reports by required dates. 
• Informs families of weekly/monthly activities. Displays students’ work throughout classroom. 
• Mentors and leads Teacher Assistants. 
• Supports Director with administrative duties, as assigned. 
• Enforces and leads all YMCA and/or UPK policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures and completes related reports as required. 
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with families/parents; helps them connect with each other and the Y. 
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and our three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 
• Communicates with families regularly through Brightwheel
• Ability to articulate and model the Y’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service training. 
• Wear required and appropriate attire at all times. 
• Supports other childcare programs when able to ensure ratio compliance across programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

• 2+ years of teaching experience – leading a classroom, planning and executing curriculum according to NYS Early Childhood standards
• Bachelor's degree with Birth – Grade 2 Certification or comparable work experience with a plan to obtain certification

We’re proud to be recognized as a 2026 USA Today Top Workplace, a national honor awarded based entirely on employee feedback. This recognition reflects our supportive, people-first culture and the passionate team that makes the Y such a special place to work.

The SRYMCA is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.