Full time pre school teacher

YMCA of Greater Montgomery; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 1,378,000 - 1,653,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Montgomery is seeking a Preschool Teacher to lead classrooms for children ages 1–5, implementing developmentally appropriate curricula that foster achievement, belonging, confidence, and positive relationships with families.

The role emphasizes safe, inclusive environments, strong supervision, and collaboration with staff and leaders to ensure quality care and consistent routines across daily activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CDA/ECE coursework preferred.
• Experience with children ages 1–5 preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire; YMCA trainings required.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities.
• Ensure safe, nurturing, inclusive classroom environment.
• Maintain age-appropriate supervision and staff-to-child ratios.
• Communicate regularly with families about children's progress.
• Collaborate with staff and leadership to ensure program quality.
• Participate in staff trainings and family engagement activities.

Skills

Classroom management

Organization

Communication

Teamwork

Lesson planning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDA or ECE coursework

Job description

This position provides direction and leadership for the children in the classroom and implements developmentally appropriate program curriculum. The Preschool Teacher provides a high-quality experience for children and families that focuses on building achievement, belonging, confidence, and positive relationships. The teacher plans and organizes daily classroom activities that support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child.

The Preschool Teacher models and promotes positive behavior, attitude, communication, and language among children, parents, and staff. The teacher maintains a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment while following YMCA policies, procedures, and applicable state licensing and safety requirements.

The Preschool Teacher is responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision of children throughout the day, supporting daily routines including arrival, meals, rest time, transitions, personal hygiene, and outdoor activities. The teacher works collaboratively with classroom staff and leadership to ensure consistency in care and a positive experience for every child and family.

Essential Functions

• Implements developmentally appropriate curriculum within established YMCA guidelines and program standards.
• Plans and implements daily and weekly lesson plans and activities that support the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of preschool children.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement, belonging, independence, confidence, and positive relationships among children and families.
• Provides active supervision of children, the classroom, playground, meals, transitions, rest periods, and all activities. Follows required staff-to-child ratios, safety procedures, and ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Maintains a safe, healthy, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment. Ensures classroom materials, equipment, learning centers, and supplies are maintained appropriately.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations of each child and documents developmental progress, interests, strengths, and areas of need in accordance with program requirements.
• Uses observations and developmental information to help individualize activities and classroom experiences to meet the needs of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships with children and families. Communicates regularly with parents regarding daily activities, children's progress, accomplishments, and concerns.
• Conducts or participates in parent conferences and family engagement activities as required by the program.
• Maintains accurate attendance records, child records, lesson plans, developmental documentation, incident reports, and other required program records while maintaining confidentiality.
• Supervises and supports daily routines including breakfast, lunch, snacks, rest time, toileting/personal hygiene, and transitions.
• Uses positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior management strategies to help children develop self-regulation, independence, cooperation, and respect for others.
• Works collaboratively with assistant teachers, classroom staff, and YMCA leadership to provide consistency in classroom routines, curriculum, supervision, and family communication.
• Follows YMCA policies, state licensing requirements, health and safety standards, child abuse prevention policies, and all required procedures.
• Reports accidents, incidents, injuries, safety concerns, and other required information promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participates in classroom preparation, cleaning, sanitizing, organization, and maintenance of learning materials and equipment.
• Participates in staff meetings, required YMCA trainings, professional development, and other educational opportunities.
• Engages families in the YMCA and helps connect parents and caregivers to YMCA programs, services, and community resources.
• Demonstrates the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with children, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Previous child care or early childhood education experience preferred
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) required.
• Experience working with children ranging in age from 1 to 5 years old preferred.
• CDA, Early Childhood Education coursework, or related education is preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to create and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Ability to communicate positively and professionally with children, parents, and staff.
• Strong classroom management, organization, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established policies and procedures.
• Must be dependable, punctual, flexible, and able to work as part of a team.
• Ability to actively supervise children and participate in classroom activities, including sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, walking, and other physical activities associated with caring for young children.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS

• CPR certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• First Aid certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• YMCA safety trainings required.
• Child Abuse Prevention and other required YMCA/state trainings must be completed within established timeframes.

The YMCA of Greater Montgomery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is subject to a background check.

Pay Range: $10.00–$12.00 per hour