Preschool Assistant Teacher — Nurturing Classroom Support

YMCA of Catawba Valley; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement Contribution

Job summary

The YMCA of Catawba Valley is hiring a Preschool Assistant Teacher to support the lead teacher in delivering developmentally appropriate lessons and to help create a safe, nurturing classroom. You will assist with activities, supervise children, and reinforce YMCA values during daily routines.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and strong interpersonal skills, and they should be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work well within a team focused on early childhood development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with children, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to implement positive behavior management strategies and support children’s social-emotional growth.
• Patience, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with young children.
• Commitment to following YMCA policies, state childcare regulations, and early learning best practices.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, kneel, and engage in hands-on activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting the lead teacher and other staff.
• All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Catawba Valley.
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or educational setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the preschool teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities
• Supervise and interact with children to promote a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment
• Assist with classroom management, ensuring children’s safety, well-being, and active participation
• Help with daily routines, including mealtimes, rest periods, toileting, and transitions between activities
• Encourage social-emotional growth, modeling positive behaviors and reinforcing YMCA core values
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, following all health and safety regulations
• Communicate with families and staff, providing updates on children’s progress and classroom activities
• Monitor children’s development and behavior, reporting any concerns to the lead teacher or preschool director
• Assist with classroom setup and cleanup, ensuring materials and supplies are well-maintained
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development to improve teaching effectiveness
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
• All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment. This includes following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Positive behavior support

Patience and enthusiasm

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The YMCA of Catawba Valley is hiring a Preschool Assistant Teacher to support the lead teacher in delivering developmentally appropriate lessons and to help create a safe, nurturing classroom. You will assist with activities, supervise children, and reinforce YMCA values during daily routines.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and strong interpersonal skills, and they should be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work well within a team focused on early childhood development.