Preschool Teacher (FULL TIME)

Spectrum 360 A NJ Non Profit Corp.; Summit (NJ); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; 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

Job summary

Spectrum 360 A NJ Non Profit Corp. in Summit, New Jersey, is looking for a passionate educator to teach preschoolers. This full-time role involves nurturing and inspiring young children to create a safe, engaging learning environment. Candidates will plan creative activities to support development and build strong relationships with families. Benefits include medical insurance, professional development, and generous paid time off.

Qualified applicants must have at least a high school diploma, strong communication, organizational skills, and a commitment to an inclusive experience for all children.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience working with children in a classroom group setting.
• Ability to create an inclusive and welcoming experience for all.
• Willingness to grow professionally through training and accepting direction.

Responsibilities

• Teach and nurture preschoolers in a safe and engaging environment.
• Plan creative and engaging activities to foster children's development.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Creativity

Patience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (preferred)

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing that what you do helps shape the future of young children and their families. At The Learning Circle YMCA, a branch of the Summit Area YMCA, you will teach, nurture, and inspire preschoolers, creating a safe, engaging classroom where children explore and build confidence. Working alongside a supportive team, you’ll foster social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development while building relationships with children and families.

You Might Be the Right Fit if you:

• Love working with young children and helping them learn through play and exploration
• Have experience working in a preschool, childcare, or early childhood classroom setting
• Are patient, positive, and encouraging
• Enjoy planning creative and engaging activities
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Have strong communication, organization, and leadership 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 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 (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, with 8‑hour shifts scheduled between 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Compensation is $18.00–$20.00 per hour, based on education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children in a classroom group setting.
• Strong leadership, communication, planning, and organization skills.
• Willingness to grow professionally through learning, participating in trainings, and accepting direction.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Availability to work year round, supporting the school and summer season.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.