Preschool Assistant Teacher - Gateway Child Development Center

Preschool Assistant Teacher - Gateway Child Development Center

Join to apply for the Preschool Assistant Teacher - Gateway Child Development Center role at YMCA of Greater San Francisco

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage
, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility
, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative
, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy
, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

The Preschool Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children enrolled in our program. As part of the teaching team, the Assistant Teacher supports classroom activities, helps plan and lead scheduled lessons, and maintains a positive atmosphere. This role involves working closely with lead teachers, site coordinators, and families to support each child's development. The Assistant Teacher models appropriate behavior and fosters respectful, supportive interactions with children and adults.

• Classroom Support
  • Assist teachers with preparing and planning lesson plans and daily activities.
  • Support classroom setup and cleanup.
  • Help with observing and documenting children's progress for assessments.
  • Support assessment preparation, including state‑mandated paperwork and DRDP observations.
  • Teach and assist in a preschool classroom serving children ages 2–5.
  • Actively participate in all daily program activities.
• Child Supervision & Safety
  • Maintain constant supervision of all children enrolled in the program.
  • Respond promptly to incidents and complete all necessary documentation.
  • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
  • Wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Communicate daily with colleagues and families about relevant information (e.g., behaviors, incidents, requests).
  • Report unresolved issues to the Site Coordinator or Child Development Director.
  • Attend and contribute to staff meetings and training courses.
• Program Standards & Compliance
  • Adhere to the assigned program schedule and follow all ECE program protocols.
  • Complete all mandatory ADP and Y‑USA safety training before the first shift.
  • Maintain clean and organized indoor and outdoor areas for children and staff.
  • Attend staff development workshops and apply new learning in the classroom.
• YMCA Mission & Leadership
  • Demonstrate YMCA core values: caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
  • Show a willingness to grow in Cause‑Driven Leadership areas:
    • Advancing our Mission and Cause
    • Building Relationships
    • Leading Operations
    • Developing & Inspiring Others
  • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.>

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level. The Assistant Teacher must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and respond quickly to the needs of children in both routine and emergency situations. Exposure to cleaning materials, outdoor weather conditions, and typical childhood illnesses is expected.

The role also involves regular handwashing and adherence to health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.

Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.

This job description may not be all‑inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.

Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

The Preschool Assistant Teacher position offers a competitive hourly rate of $18.50 – $21.00/ Hour based on qualifications and experience. The hourly rate meets benchmark standards and is in accordance with grant requirements.