Job Description

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 addressing some 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.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old
• 2+ years of experience working with infant, toddler or preschool-aged children.
• AA degree required
• Hold or be eligible for a Teacher permit or be permit eligible, with at least 3 administrative units and 2 adult supervision units. 6 administrative units preferred.
• Available Monday–Friday during program hours for year-round preschool operations, alternating shifts between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• YMCA approved EMSA CPR/First Aid certification
• Submit health screening, immunizations, and TB test clearance prior to hire and every two years thereafter.
• Fingerprint background check clearance through Community Care Licensing

Preferred Qualifications

• BA Degree or Masters in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• CCTC Site Supervisor Permit or eligible.
• 6 administrative units
• Supervisory experience in childcare setting.
• Training in NAEYC standards, PITC, Anti-Bias Curriculum, Emergent Curriculum, or Reggio Emilia practices.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages spoken by program participants and families.

Location:

• Alice Chalmers YMCA Preschool (Mission)
• 670 Brunswick Street, San Francisco CA 94112

Position Summary

The YMCA Lead Teacher collaborates with the Child Development Director to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children aged 0–6 years. This role ensures successful program delivery by implementing best practices in early childhood education. The Lead Teacher supports compliance with licensing standards, enforces classroom policies, and promotes children’s development and safety. Acting as the classroom and suite lead when needed, the Lead Teacher works closely with the Master Teacher or Suite Coordinator to create and implement classroom improvement plans aligned with YMCA goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities

Curriculum & Child Development

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for children aged 0–6 years.
• Observe and assess children's developmental progress, providing tailored support as needed.
• Stay updated on early childhood education best practices, including accreditation standards.

Classroom Leadership & Supervision

• Act as the classroom lead in the absence of the Master Teacher or Suite Coordinator.
• Supervise daily classroom activities, ensuring consistency in routines and transitions.
• Delegate responsibilities to staff for effective program operations.
• Mentor and support assistant teachers, volunteers, and classroom staff.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with licensing standards and YMCA programming goals.
• Enforce classroom policies to uphold children's safety and well-being.
• Monitor indoor and outdoor spaces for safety and compliance with licensing requirements.

Family & Community Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with families, offering regular updates on children’s progress.
• Address parent inquiries professionally, following YMCA policies and procedures.

Collaboration & Program Improvement

• Collaborate with the Master Teacher or Suite Coordinator to develop and implement improvement plans.
• Comply with Grant funder’s requirement by maintaining permit, continue to attend training, ongoing professional growth

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, and developmental observations.
• Organize classroom materials and supplies to ensure efficient operations.
• Support administrative tasks assigned by the Child Development Director or Suite Coordinator.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The position involves working in a classroom setting with children and staff. The Lead Preschool Teacher should be able to engage in physical activities, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 40 lbs. The role also requires effective communication with parents, staff, and children in both individual and group settings. The work environment includes managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced and dynamic setting.

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 hourly rate for the Lead Teacher – San Francisco Sites position is $35.68- $41.00 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with salary benchmarks for similar roles. Compensation is in accordance with grant funding approval and program budget requirements.

Minimum experience (years): 2

Required degree: TWO_YEAR_DEGREE