Preschool Program Coordinator

YMCA of the Black Hills; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the Black Hills seeks an Early Learning J-Heart Coordinator in Rapid City to lead the J-Heart partnership site, guiding children, supporting teachers, and bringing our mission to life each day. You will create a nurturing, structured classroom, meet licensing requirements, and partner with families facing challenges to provide stability, safety, and quality care.

As a leader, you will recruit and train staff, mentor colleagues, and implement the YMCA Social and Emotional Curriculum to

Qualifications

• Child Development Credential required.
• 3+ years of experience in related field.
• Must meet South Dakota childcare licensing requirements.
• At least 18 years old; ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire.
• Driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead teacher at the J-Heart partnership site.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons.
• Mentor and train staff and volunteers.
• Recruit and support staff to build a strong team.
• Ensure safety and licensing compliance in all activities.
• Implement the YMCA Social and Emotional Curriculum including Conscious Discipline.

Skills

Leadership

Teaching

Mentoring

Coaching

Empathy

Education

Child Development Credential

CPR/First Aid Certification

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Starting Pay: $22.00 per hour

Category: Full-time, non-exempt

Shift: 40 hours

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 5:30 pm

At the Y, we believe every child deserves a place where they can feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow. That's where our Early Learning J-Heart Coordinator comes in: a behind-the-scenes hero and hands-on leader who guides children, supports teachers and assistant teachers, and brings our mission to life every single day. This is a role for someone who loves to teach, coach, and lift others up, all while creating a space where children and staff thrive.

You’ll be the lead teacher at our J-Heart partnership site, where you’ll create a nurturing, structured environment where every child feels secure and valued. You’ll provide consistency and care, knowing that stability in the classroom often means hope and healing outside of it. Many of the children in this program come from families experiencing challenges such as homelessness, addiction, or financial instability. Your patience, empathy, and ability to meet children where they are will be just as important as the lessons you teach.

At Bright Start (previously Jump Start), the families we support are working to complete their high school education, better their lives, or work toward self-sufficiency. You’ll step in to support the lead teacher and staff there, ensuring those children also experience the same stability, quality care, and encouragement while their parents work toward their goals. Whether a family is overcoming crisis or building a better future through education, your work provides the safety net children need to thrive.

On that note, it’s important to understand that safety is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll ensure that each child is cared for in a secure environment that meets and exceeds our child abuse prevention standards. You’ll maintain vigilant supervision, follow YMCA safety policies, and enforce state licensing requirements so every child in your care is protected. Your attention to detail, proactive mindset, and commitment to our safeguarding practices will provide peace of mind for families and staff alike.

In this role, you’ll plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons that nurture academic, social, and emotional growth. You’ll bring our YMCA Social and Emotional Curriculum, including Conscious Discipline, to life for children and mentor other staff in its use. You’ll help shape a positive, encouraging environment where curiosity is celebrated, friendships flourish, and children feel safe exploring their world.

You’ll also be a leader of people, helping to recruit, train, and support the brightest staff and volunteers. Whether it’s observing staff, offering guidance, or celebrating wins big and small, your leadership will set the tone for a culture of respect, growth, and fun.

We’re looking for someone with a Child Development Credential and at least three years of experience in a related field, someone who demonstrates strong leadership, and someone passionate about creating opportunities for children to thrive. You’ll need to meet South Dakota childcare licensing requirements, be at least 18 years old, lift up to 25 pounds, hold CPR and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire, and ideally have a valid driver’s license.

Working at the YMCA means being part of a mission-driven team that values belonging, hope, and community. As J-Heart Coordinator, you’ll be shaping young lives, mentoring staff, and creating experiences that will ripple out into the lives of children and families. If you’re ready to lead with care, mentor with purpose, and make a real difference in the lives of children, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

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