Preschool Lead Teacher – Gateway Child Development Center

YMCA of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher for its Preschool program, where your passion for early childhood education can shine. In this role, you will create a nurturing environment for young children, implement developmentally appropriate curricula, and work collaboratively with staff to ensure the highest standards of education and safety. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in the lives of children and their families while being part of a community-focused organization that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth. Join a team committed to empowering futures and building strong communities!

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old and hold a Master Teacher Permit.
• Experience with preschool-aged children is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement curriculum for children aged 2-6 years.
• Ensure compliance with licensing standards and classroom policies.
• Foster relationships with families and engage with the community.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Child Development Knowledge

Classroom Management

Education

AA degree in Early Childhood Education

Master Teacher Permit

Job description

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.

Peninsula YMCA is seeking a full-time Lead Teacher for the Preschool classroom at the Gateway Child Development Center, located at 559 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco , CA 94080.

Position Summary

The YMCA Preschool Lead Teacher collaborates with the Site Director and Coordinator to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children aged 2–6 years. This role ensures successful program delivery by implementing best practices in early childhood education. The Lead Teacher supports compliance with licensing standards, enforces classroom policies, and promotes children’s development and safety. Acting as the classroom and suite lead when needed, the Lead Teacher works closely with the Master Teacher or Suite Coordinator to create and implement classroom improvement plans aligned with YMCA goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities

Curriculum & Child Development

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for children aged 2–6 years.
• Observe and assess children’s developmental progress, providing tailored support as needed.
• Stay updated on early childhood education best practices, including accreditation standards.
• Act as the classroom lead in the absence of the Master Teacher or Suite Coordinator.
• Supervise daily classroom activities, ensuring consistency in routines and transitions.
• Delegate responsibilities to staff for effective program operations.
• Mentor and support assistant teachers, volunteers, and classroom staff.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with licensing standards and YMCA programming goals.
• Enforce classroom policies to uphold children’s safety and well-being.
• Monitor indoor and outdoor spaces for safety and compliance with licensing requirements.

Family & Community Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with families, offering regular updates on children’s progress.
• Address parent inquiries professionally, following YMCA policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Master Teacher or Suite Coordinator to develop and implement improvement plans.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, and developmental observations.
• Organize classroom materials and supplies to ensure efficient operations.
• Support administrative tasks assigned by the Child Development Director or Suite Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Hold or be eligible for a Master Teacher Permit, with 6 administrative units and 2 adult supervision units.
• Experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Available Monday–Friday during program hours for year-round preschool operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Completed health screening, immunizations, and TB test clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• AA degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• CCTC Site Supervisor Permit or eligible.
• Supervisory experience in childcare setting.
• Training in NAEYC standards, PITC, Anti-Bias Curriculum, Emergent Curriculum, or Reggio Emilia practices.
• Bilingual in Russian, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The position involves working in a classroom setting with children and staff. The Lead Preschool Teacher should be able to engage in physical activities, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 40 lbs. The role also requires effective communication with parents, staff, and children in both individual and group settings. The work environment includes managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced and dynamic setting.

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 this position is $29.00-$36.88 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.