Preschool Counselor - Part-Time (On Site) at YMCA of the Lowcountry – Ridgeland, South Carolina

Salary: Minimum $14.00/hour - Maximum $16.00/hour

Type: Part-Time – Non-Exempt

Schedule: Up to 30 hours per week

Reports to: Sr. Childcare Director

Organization Overview

At the YMCA of the Lowcountry, we are more than an organization — we are a cause. Together, we strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our staff are at the heart of this mission, creating safe, welcoming environments where children grow, families thrive, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Overview

The Preschool Counselor supports the YMCA’s mission by providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for preschool-age children (ages 3-5). This role is responsible for supervising children, implementing age-appropriate activities, and maintaining compliance with all youth safety, licensing, and program standards.

Benefits You’ll Receive

• Complimentary YMCA Membership for Part-Time employees. An additional adult family member may be added for $20 per month.
• Participation in the National YMCA Retirement Fund, a defined contribution plan. Employees become eligible for a 12% employer contribution after completing 1,000 hours of service in each of two 12-month periods (doesn’t have to be consecutive).
• All staff are eligible to make voluntary 403(b) retirement contributions (no employer match).
• Discounts on YMCA Programs (Immediate Family)
• 50% discount for staff working 20 or more hours per pay period
• 25% discount for staff working 10–19 hours per pay period
• 15% discount for staff working fewer than 10 hours per pay period

What You’ll Do:

• Provide direct supervision and care for preschool-age children in accordance with YMCA policies and state licensing requirements.
• Plan and co-lead age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive health, safety, and sanitation procedures, including incident and accident reporting.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children and families.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and active supervision at all times.
• Support positive behavior guidance using developmentally appropriate strategies.
• Responsible to meet safety standards and state licensing requirements, extensive training in ProSolutions, CPR, First Aid, and Praesidium accreditation requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation as required for program operations and compliance.
• Work collaboratively with program leadership and fellow staff.

What We’re Looking For:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of early childhood education experience. Completion of, or enrollment in, an early childhood education program is preferred.
• Experience working with preschool-age children in a state-accredited childcare setting.
• Ability to actively supervise children and respond to emergencies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.

The YMCA of the Lowcountry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.