The Valley of the Sun YMCA is looking for a caring, energetic, dependable, and patient Assistant Preschool Teacher to help create a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for young children. This position supports the Lead Teacher in planning activities, supervising children, and helping maintain a positive classroom environment focused on learning, growth, and development.
We are looking for staff who are interested in becoming part of our team long-term. This is a year-round position, not a temporary or seasonal role.
The Valley of the Sun YMCA is honored to be among the top 50 YMCA associations in the United States, recognized for transforming our culture, vision, and operations. With 12 branches across the Valley and Northern Arizona, along with a thriving overnight camp in Prescott, we are a rapidly growing, cause-driven organization. Our mission is to enhance the nation's health and well-being while creating opportunities to give back and support our communities. If you are dedicated to being part of a greater movement, a career with the YMCA is for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ASSISTANT PRESCHOOL TEACHER:
- 25-35 hours per week.
- Year-round commitment required.
- Assist with planning and implementing daily lesson plans and activities.
- Supervise and engage children throughout the day.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and co-workers.
- Support classroom management using positive guidance techniques.
- Help cover breaks and lunches as the teacher in charge for up to an hour at a time.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
- Follow all YMCA safety, supervision, and child protection policies.
- Complete incident and accident reports when necessary.
- Attend staff meetings and required trainings.
- Bring positive energy and patience into the classroom every day.
- Are dependable and consistent with attendance and punctuality.
- Are willing to actively engage with children through play, learning, and conversation.
- Communicate professionally with families and co-workers.
- Take initiative and help where needed without always being asked.
- Stay calm, safety-focused, and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
- Understand that teamwork is essential to creating a successful classroom environment.
*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.
REQUIREMENTS TO BE AN ASSISTANT PRESCHOOL TEACHER:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must have either:
- 6 months of qualifying experience in a licensed childcare facility, OR
- 60 completed college credits
- CPR and First Aid certified (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Fingerprint clearance card and negative TB test required.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Passion for working with young children and supporting their development.
PART TIME BENEFITS:
- Free YMCA Staff Membership
- Discounted Family Membership
- Employee Program Rewards and Discounts
- Paid Sick Leave (after 90 days of employment)
- Employee & Employer Retirement Contribution Options
OUR YMCA CULTURE:
The Valley of the Sun YMCA has been a trusted place of belonging, growth, and opportunity. We are for strengthening families, and creating opportunities for every child, teen, adult and senior to thrive. Guided by our call to Be Well. Do Good. Lead Change. Our goal is to expand access, deepen impact and secure a sustainable future for the Y across Arizona.
Our YMCA promotes a safe environment that is free from abuse. No form of abuse will be tolerated. All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to in accordance with our Abuse Response Process.
This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.