Pre-K Teacher (Full Time)

Summit Area YMCA; Summit (NJ); On-site; USD 24,796 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

50% discount on YMCA childcare programs

Free YMCA Family Membership

Ongoing professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Summit Area YMCA in Summit, NJ is looking for a dedicated Pre-K Teacher to join their team. You will create a nurturing environment to help preschool-aged children prepare for kindergarten while working alongside a supportive team of educators. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities and fostering development.

Enjoy a full-time schedule with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical insurance, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Join us in making a positive impact on young lives!

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience with children in a licensed childcare center.
• Ability to relate effectively to children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Availability to work year-round, including summer programming.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe and engaging classroom environment.
• Encourage curiosity and build relationships with children and families.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities.

Skills

Early childhood education

Classroom management

Communication

Team collaboration

Creativity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Full-time Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing you are helping children build the skills and confidence they need for kindergarten and beyond. The Learning Circle YMCA, a branch of the Summit Area YMCA, is seeking a caring, energetic, and dedicated Pre‑K Teacher to join our team. Teachers play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where children develop the academic, social, emotional, and problem‑solving skills needed for a successful transition to kindergarten. Working alongside a supportive team of educators, you will encourage curiosity, foster independence, and build strong relationships with children and families.

You May Be The Right Fit If You

• Love working with preschool‑aged children and helping prepare them for kindergarten
• Have experience working in a preschool, childcare, or early childhood classroom setting
• Are patient, encouraging, and passionate about early learning
• Enjoy planning creative, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Have strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills
• Thrive in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment
• Are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all children and families

Why You'll Love Working At The Y

We know that caring for children is important work, and we believe our employees deserve meaningful support and benefits.

Our Full-time Benefits Package Includes

• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, wellness, and holidays
• 50% discount on YMCA childcare programs, including Infant Care, Toddler Care, Preschool, Full‑Day Kindergarten, Before & After School Care, and Summer Camp
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• One free YMCA class per family member each program session
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• 12% employer retirement plan contribution upon eligibility
• Employee discounts on YMCA programs and services

Salary & Schedule

This is a full‑time position, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Teachers work 8‑hour shifts scheduled between 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Compensation range for this role is $18.00 – $23.00 per hour, based on education and experience.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• CDA, Associate's Degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred
• At least one year of experience working with children in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or school setting
• Experience working with preschool‑aged children preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, planning, and organizational skills
• Willingness to learn, grow professionally, and participate in ongoing training
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to relate effectively to children, families, and coworkers from diverse backgrounds
• Availability to work year‑round, including support of summer programming
• Must be at least 18 years of age

About The Summit Area YMCA

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today we are The Y. Part of a world‑class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, and we value and are made stronger by our diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well‑being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal‑opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. We work side‑by‑side with our neighbors to make sure everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose each day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe we’re stronger when we come together.