Early Learning - Lead Teacher

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a leading nonprofit organization that has a strong commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Position: Lead Teacher      Salary: $21 per hour

About the Job

The Lead Teacher is under direct supervision and direction of the Preschool Director, Assistant Child Care Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of all classroom activities that meet the child's social, physical, emotional and mental growth within a developmental framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, supervises and implements the program in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA
• Effectively develops and caries out developmentally appropriate lesson plans that can be followed by any teacher, aide, or assistant
• Develops a substitute folder containing lesson plans, daily schedule, special schedule, schedule of children's extracurricular activities, and emergency information
• Develops and implements a daily routine of activities that allow for the child to experience teacher directed and child directed activities
• Maintains responsibility for the safety of the children in the program at all times
• Assistants, aides, and volunteers in the classroom while modeling appropriate professional behaviors
• Documents attendance, absenteeism and incidents for each child in compliance with state, county and district licensing requirements
• Effectively communicates verbally and in writing with parents throughout the year
• Conducts a minimum of one parent conference per year
• Attends parent or parent-child events related to the program
• Maintains an attractive and clean classroom to include: sweeping, wiping spills, and cleaning in accordance with branch, local or NAEYC guidelines
• Maintains professional development through community involvement and further education to meet the continuing education requirements established by the local licensing offices
• Attends all YMCA training programs and staff meetings as requested
• Interacts with and assists children with daily programs such as swimming, or other activities as part of the regular school day
• Reports concerns, conflicts, or other problems directly to the supervisor
• Upholds the YMCA Code of Conduct
• Must be in the classroom ready to work at the start of the shift
• Supports the program goals of the YMCA as a whole and the branch in particular
• Administers quality child care programs that reflect a positive image of the YMCA and its services to the community
• Promotes positive growth and nurturing of children in the program by meeting individual developmental needs
• Creates a warm and friendly atmosphere in which families grow

Qualifications and Skills:

• Must be at least 20 years of age
• CDA/AA/BA/BS in Early Childcare Education or related field
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Documentation of physical examination and TB skin test
• Clear the local jurisdiction requirements for criminal background and/or fingerprinting
• Must meet the county/state licensing requirements
• Must have three years experience working with children plus one year as a Teacher working in a licensed center
• Must have the critical skill of being able to relate to parents, school staff and children and have a positive, creative attitude
• Must be able to work as a team member
• Must be able to effectively communicate with children and parents

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Must be physically active to play games and sports with the children
• Must be able to pick-up at least 35 pounds
• Must have visual acuity to observe all children

We offer the following benefits:

We appreciate your talents, hard work and professional dedication and will reward you with a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including a 10% employer-funded retirement plan. In addition, we provide 403(b) retirement savings plan; high quality healthcare; free YMCA membership for you and your family; a generous paid time off package; numerous professional development opportunities; an exciting and collaborative work environment; and the ability to work with creative, talented and diverse individuals