Preschool Assistant Teacher - Gateway Child Development Center

YMCA

San Mateo, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$18.50–$21 Per Hour
SKILLS
ADP, Background Investigation, Benchmarking, CPR Certification, Calendar Management, Cantonese Chinese Language, Child Development, Child Support, Childcare, Communication Skills, Documentation, Early Childhood Education, First Aid, Incident Response, Leadership, Lesson Plans, Licensing, Lift/Move 40 Pounds, Mandarin Chinese Language, Multilingual, Nonprofit, Nursery School and Preschool, Organizational Culture, Organizational Skills, Physical Demands, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, Spanish Language, Staff Development, Staff Training, Training/Teaching
LOCATION
San Mateo, CA
POSTED
Today
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 addressingsome 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.

Position Summary

The Preschool Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children enrolled in our program. As part of the teaching team, the Assistant Teacher supports classroom activities, helps plan and lead scheduled lessons, and maintains a positive atmosphere. This role involves working closely with lead teachers, site coordinators, and families to support each child's development. The Assistant Teacher models appropriate behavior and fosters respectful, supportive interactions with children and adults.

All duties must comply with Community Care Licensing regulations and follow the direction of the Lead Teacher and Site Coordinator.

Job Responsibilities
  • Classroom Support
    • Assist teachers with preparing and planning lesson plans and daily activities.
    • Support classroom setup and cleanup.
    • Help with observing and documenting children's progress for assessments.
    • Support assessment preparation, including state-mandated paperwork and DRDP observations.
    • Teach and assist in a preschool classroom serving children ages 2-5.
    • Actively participate in all daily program activities.
  • Child Supervision & Safety
    • Maintain constant supervision of all children enrolled in the program.
    • Respond promptly to incidents and complete all necessary documentation.
    • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
    • Wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Communication & Collaboration
    • Communicate daily with colleagues and families about relevant information (e.g., behaviors, incidents, requests).
    • Report unresolved issues to the Site Coordinator or Child Development Director.
    • Attend and contribute to staff meetings and training courses.
  • Program Standards & Compliance
    • Adhere to the assigned program schedule and follow all ECE program protocols.
    • Complete all mandatory ADP and Y-USA safety training before the first shift.
    • Maintain clean and organized indoor and outdoor areas for children and staff.
    • Attend staff development workshops and apply new learning in the classroom.
  • YMCA Mission & Leadership
    • Demonstrate YMCA core values: caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
    • Show a willingness to grow in Cause-Driven Leadership areas:
      • Advancing our Mission and Cause
      • Building Relationships
      • Leading Operations
      • Developing & Inspiring Others
  • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and sitting on the floor to engage with children at their level. The Assistant Teacher must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and respond quickly to the needs of children in both routine and emergency situations. Exposure to cleaning materials, outdoor weather conditions, and typical childhood illnesses is expected. The role also involves regular handwashing and adherence to health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.

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 Preschool Assistant Teacher position offers a competitive hourly rate of $18.50 - $21.00/ Hour based on qualifications and experience. The hourly rate meets benchmark standards and is in accordance with grant requirements.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 years or older
  • Minimum 6 ECE units, or enrolled in ECE courses
  • Assistant Teacher Permit or qualified
  • Must be able to work Monday-Friday (excluding major holidays), assigned 8 hour shifts between 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • 350+ days of experience in a childcare setting, 3+ hours per day within 4 years
  • CPR and First Aid certified (may complete upon hire)
  • Provide TB and Physical Health clearance prior to hire and every 2 years thereafter
  • Submit proof of Immunizations for Influenza, Pertussis, and Measles
  • Fingerprint background check clearance through Community Care Licensing
Preferred Qualifications
  • AA/BA Degree in ECE, Child Development or related
  • Associate Teacher Permit or qualified
  • Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages
  • Knowledge of DRDP, NAEYC, PITC, Anti-Bias Curriculum, Emergent Curriculum and Reggio Emilia

About the Company

Y

YMCA

With an operating budget of $50 million, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington operates 17 facilities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and northern Virginia, employs over 1,500 employees and impacts the lives of more than 200,000 youth and adults each year. A leader in innovation, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington has made an impact in advancing health and education initiatives and strengthening the communities we serve. Picture your next career move to the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, joining one of the largest charity organizations in the country, where the expectations are high and where you can make a real difference in driving results. If your next career move includes leaving a legacy, then consider your future with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington!

COMPANY SIZE
1,500 to 1,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
FOUNDED
1844
WEBSITE
https://ymcadc.org