Job Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing your work helps shape the future of our community’s youngest learners. At the Summit Area YMCA, what you do matters. Every single day.

The Learning Circle YMCA is seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Pre-K Teacher to create a nurturing, safe, and engaging classroom environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

In this role, you will guide children as they explore, discover, and learn through fun, developmentally appropriate experiences. You will foster curiosity, build confidence, and ensure every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.

You May Be the Right Fit If You:

• Love working with young children and have prior classroom experience
• Are patient, compassionate, and energetic
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues
• Are creative, flexible, and well organized
• Value diversity, inclusion, and building strong relationships with families

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and daily activities
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and structured classroom environment
• Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Maintain open, positive communication with families and team members
• Follow all YMCA policies and New Jersey state licensing regulations
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities

Salary & Benefits:

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), Monday through Friday, between 7:30am and 6:00pm, with a flexible schedule. Typical shifts may include 7:30am–4:30pm, 8:00am–5:00pm, or 9:00am–6:00pm.

The pay range for this role is $18.00 – $23.00 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and education.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays
• A free YMCA family membership
• Discounts on Y programs and services, including child care
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A 12% employer contribution to your retirement plan upon eligibility

Join a mission-driven organization that invests in its people while strengthening our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

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. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Requirements

• High school diploma required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) preferred
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a licensed child care center required
• Experience working with preschool-aged children strongly preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, planning, and organizational skills
• Must be at least 18 years of age

About the Summit Area YMCA:

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.