Infant Associate Teacher - Tung Lok Early Learning Center (Chinatown Y)

YMCA of Greater San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater San Francisco is seeking an Associate Teacher to support Teachers and Lead Teachers in creating a safe, nurturing environment for children in the Preschool program at the San Francisco sites.

You will assist with lesson planning, supervise children, and help maintain an organized classroom while floating between classrooms as needed. Background checks and health clearances are required.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• 2+ years of experience in childcare or early education.
• Must be available Monday – Friday during program hours, year-round.
• Strong communications skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification approved by YMCA EMSA.
• Submit health screening, immunizations, and TB test clearance.
• Fingerprint background check clearance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans for ages 0–6.
• Implement curriculum, daily routines, and classroom management.
• Provide support across multiple classrooms by floating as needed.
• Supervise and engage children to maintain safety and well-being.
• Communicate with families about development and updates.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and trainings.

Job description

• Base Pay $33.00 - $34.00 / Hour
• Job Category Teacher
• Employee Type Hourly - Full Time

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

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.

Requirements

Qualifications

• · 18 years or older.
• · 2+ years of experience
• · Hold or be eligible for a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit (12 ECE core units and 16 general education units).
• · Must be available Monday – Friday during program hours, year-round working alternating 8-hours shift between 7:30 am and 6 pm.
• · Strong communications skills
• · YMCA approved EMSA CPR/First Aid certification
• · Submit health screening, immunizations, and TB test clearance prior to hire and every two years thereafter.
• · Fingerprint background check clearance through Community Care Licensing

Preferred Qualifications

• · AA in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• · Bilingual skills in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages spoken by program participants and families.

Summary

Location:

Tung Lok Early Learning Center (Chinatown YMCA of San Francisco)

Position Summary

The Associate Teacher lead and support Teachers and Lead Teachers in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children in the YMCA Preschool program. This role involves assisting with lesson plans, supervising children, and maintaining an organized classroom.

Additionally, the Associate Teacher will provide support across classrooms as needed to ensure adequate coverage and smooth operations. The position fosters children’s growth and development while building positive relationships with families and adhering to Community Care Licensing regulations and YMCA policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement developmentally and age appropriate lesson plans and activities for children ages 0–6.
• Implement curriculum, daily routines, and classroom management strategies.
• Provide support across multiple classrooms by "floating" to assist where needed.

Child Supervision & Safety

• Supervise and engage with children to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom and play areas.
• Respond promptly to incidents and assist with completing necessary documentation.

Family & Team Communication

• Communicate effectively with colleagues and families about children’s development, behavior, and program updates.

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Participate in mandatory staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes respect and learning for all children.
• Must attend mandatory meetings and trainings and continue professional growth on own or as assigned

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The Associate Teacher will work in a classroom setting, engaging in physical activities such as standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 40 lbs. This role requires adaptability to float between classrooms as needed, along with effective communication in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Disclaimers

· 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.

Salary Description

The hourly rate for the Associate Teacher – San Francisco Sites position is $33.00 - $34.00 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with salary benchmarks for similar roles. Compensation is in accordance with grant funding approval and program budget requirements.