Pre-K Teacher (HS)

YWCA; Saint Louis (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Flexible scheduling

Generous paid time off

Job summary

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis is seeking a dedicated early childhood educator to deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences for preschoolers in Head Start programs. You will create safe, engaging classrooms and partner with families to support child growth and learning.

Responsibilities include health checks, individualized activities, parent communication, and ongoing progress assessments. A degree in ECE or related field is required, with emphasis on quality care and family

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field with 10+ classes in Early Childhood Education or Pre-K CDA.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Missouri licensing regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate activities daily.
• Conduct daily health checks and ensure environment is clean, safe and hazard-free.
• Create individualized activities based on each child’s developmental level.
• Set up learning environments in classroom and outdoors to promote exploration.
• Foster positive relationships that build a caring classroom community.
• Communicate effectively with parents to promote involvement in learning.
• Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments and refer delays when needed.
• Maintain and update records for all children enrolled.

Skills

Early childhood development knowledge

Parent communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Deliver high-quality early learning

Lift 40 lbs

Education

Associate, bachelor's, or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

About YWCA

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis (YWCA) has been serving the community for more than 120 years, providing essential, wraparound services that support women and families throughout their time in our programs. Each year, YWCA serves approximately 10,000 women and their families, offering a multitude of services. YWCA is the largest provider of direct Head Start services in Missouri, operating 8 centers and 11 partner sites, and we are proud to hold the National Program of Excellence accreditation from the National Head Start Association.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Work - Every role at YWCA helps create positive change in the community.
• Supportive Environment - Join a team that values collaboration and mutual respect.
• Professional Development - Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Work-Life Balance - Flexible scheduling and generous paid time off.
• Competitive Benefits - Health, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Community Impact - Be part of programs that make a real difference for women, children, and families.

Our Signature Programs

• Early Childhood Education & Childcare - Providing safe, nurturing environments for children to learn and grow.
• Family Support Services - Helping families access resources and build stability.
• Health & Wellness Initiatives - Promoting physical and mental well-being through community programs.
• Advocacy & Outreach - Connecting individuals to opportunities and support systems that improve quality of life.

Purpose

Plan and implement learning opportunities that further the children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth and development while acting as a support and resource for parents to ensure head Start Program Performance Standards are met.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities

No formal responsibility. The policies associated with the job's purpose, essential responsibilities and operation is set by others.

Routine Decision-Making

Take all necessary steps to assure the health and safety of children placed in the teacher's care.

Formal Supervisory Responsibility

None

Description

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate activities daily.
• Conduct daily health checks and ensure environment is clean, safe and free of hazards.
• Develop and implement individualized activities based on the developmental level of each child.
• Create learning environments in the classroom and outside for young children which promote experimentation and exploration.
• Facilitate and assist children in developing positive relationships that support a caring community within the classroom.
• Communicate effectively with parents in promoting parental involvement in their child's early learning experience.
• Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments of each child's growth and development. Use information to refer children with potential delays.
• Maintain and update records on all children enrolled in the classroom.

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability, and environmental conditions required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Required Knowledge

• Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and education.
• Knowledge of early childhood classroom management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures for young children.
• Working knowledge of quality early care and education services for young children and families.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Licensing Regulations and MOA.

Required Skills or Abilities

• Ability to develop and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and including them in their child's learning process.
• Organizational skills that facilitate meeting designated timelines.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to facilitate quality service for children and families.
• Ability to lift 40lbs.

Formal Education

An associate, bachelors, or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field and 10+ classes in Early Childhood Education or Pre-K CDA.

YWCA of Metro St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws.