Assistant Preschool Teacher

YWCA USA; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Greater Cleveland seeks an Assistant Preschool Teacher to nurture preschoolers and help them prepare for kindergarten. You will work with a Lead Teacher to create a safe, joyful, and structured classroom where every child can learn and thrive.

Responsibilities include following lesson plans, supporting routines, building warm relationships, tracking attendance and observations, and communicating progress with families. Physical activity and training participation are required.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or enrollment in CDA program within 1 year.
• Two years of full‑time experience with children ages 0–5 (implied by role).
• Valid First Aid/CPR training and knowledge of licensing standards.

Responsibilities

• Support daily routines and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Build warm relationships with children while modeling positive behavior and emotional regulation.
• Help children meet milestones in language, literacy, motor skills, and social-emotional development.
• Assist with classroom setup, cleanliness, safety, and behavior management.
• Keep attendance records, meal counts, and developmental observations.
• Partner with families by communicating progress and celebrating growth.
• Substitute for the Lead Teacher as needed and participate in ongoing training.

Education

CDA credential or currently enrolled in a CDA program (must complete within 1 year)

First Aid/CPR training

Familiarity with ODJFS licensing standards

Job description

Do you believe that every child deserves a strong start, no matter their zip code? Are you ready to be a steady, nurturing presence for preschoolers navigating big emotions and big milestones?

Join us at YWCA Greater Cleveland as an Assistant Preschool Teacher and help prepare young children for kindergarten success-especially those facing socio-economic and developmental challenges. You'll work side-by-side with a lead teacher to create a safe, joyful, and structured classroom where every child can learn and thrive.

What You'll Do

As a Teacher Assistant, you'll play a hands‑on role in the classroom, helping to:

• Support the daily routine and implement creative, developmentally appropriate lesson plans
• Build warm relationships with children while modeling positive behavior and emotional regulation
• Help children meet key milestones for language, literacy, motor skills, and social-emotional development
• Assist with classroom setup, cleanliness, safety, and behavior management
• Keep up with documentation such as attendance, meal counts, and developmental observations
• Partner with families by communicating progress and celebrating growth

You’ll also help track supplies, write newsletter content, substitute for the Lead Teacher as needed, and participate in ongoing training and development.

You’ll Thrive Here If You

• Love working with preschool‑age children, especially those facing adversity
• Stay calm and caring in moments of chaos, using structure and patience to support young learners
• Believe in equitable early education and understand the long‑term impact of kindergarten readiness
• Can follow and implement lesson plans, learning standards, and routines with consistencу
• Are a team player and flexible enough to jump in wherever needed

What You’ll Need

Minimum Requirements

• CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) or currently enrolled in a CDA program (must complete within 1 year)
• Two years of full‑time experience with children ages 0–5
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and engage physically with children (kneel, squat, reach, etc.)
• Valid First Aid/CPR, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse training (or ability to obtain)
• Familiarity with ODJFS licensing standards

Preferred

• Associate’s Degree or 12+ credit hours in Early Childhood Education
• 3+ years of early childhood experience, including behavioral support strategies

Ready to make a difference in a child's life before they even enter kindergarten?

YWCA Greater Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply, especially those from communities we serve. The YWCA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status, or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.