Lead Preschool Teacher

Lead Preschool Teacher

Help shape young minds in a supportive, mission-driven environment

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to join our Child Care team. If you are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education, enjoy building meaningful relationships with children and families, and are looking for a workplace that values collaboration and professional growth, we encourage you to apply.

This is more than a teaching position, it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Position details:

• Position: Full-Time
• Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• No evenings or weekends
• Pay: $19.00-$22.00 per hour, based on qualifications

Why join the Alexandria Area YMCA?

The Alexandria Area YMCA is committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our child care program provides a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn through play, exploration, and positive relationships.

Our center includes eight classrooms serving children from 6 weeks through kindergarten readiness. As a member of our team, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and committed to helping one another succeed.

Position summary:

Working under the direction of the Child Care Director, the Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while overseeing all aspects of the preschool classroom. This role also provides leadership and support to assistant teachers and classroom staff while ensuring compliance with Minnesota licensing requirements and YMCA standards.

Essential responsibilities:

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that support children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Create a structured daily schedule that balances learning, play, meals, rest, and outdoor activities.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Build positive relationships with children and families through consistent communication and partnership.
• Supervise, mentor, and support assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers.
• Maintain classroom records and documentation while ensuring compliance with Minnesota DHS licensing requirements and YMCA policies.
• Collaborate with the Child Care Director and fellow teaching staff to provide high-quality programming and continuous improvement.

Full-time benefits:

• Medical insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays plus birthday PTO
• Free YMCA family membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs
• Health savings plan
• 401(a) and 403(b) retirement plans
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability plans
• Mental health benefits – including free mental health sessions
• Professional development
• Work-life balance

Requirements:

• Be committed to the mission and goals of the YMCA and Child Care Center.
• Must meet DHS Rule 3 teacher qualifications.
• Post-secondary education and formal child care experience is required. Credits and hours required vary based on area of study and degree (if any) earned.
• Three or more years of experience in the early childhood arena is preferred but not required.
• Must complete and have a non-disqualified background study record.
• Must be certified in CPR and First Aid or obtain within the first 90 days of employment.
• Proof of completion of SIDS, Abusive Head Trauma, Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting before interaction with children.
• Must take CACFP food program training and YMCA 101 within the first 90 days of employment.

Physical demands:

• Must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health and may be required to lift children and light equipment (5-50lb).
• Must be in constant awareness of the children's safety, ensuring that activities follow rules and regulations which limit risk to the participants.
• Required to speak and hear.
• Required to reach with and use hands and arms.
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must dress appropriately for the weather as both indoor and outdoor activities are scheduled.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're passionate about early childhood education and want to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Alexandria Area YMCA and help create a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.

Apply today, we look forward to meeting you!

EEO statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.