Lead Child Care Teacher

LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER - Different shifts available between the operating hours of 7:30 am-5:00 pm

Job Title: Lead Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Revision Date: 3/19/2025

Leadership Level: Team Leader Primary Function: Early Childhood Education

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The incumbent provides direction for the children in the classroom and implements the program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

OUR CULTURE: 

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. The YMCA of Greater Michiana strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices as part of the lesson plan. 
• Lesson plans must be posted in the classroom. 
• Having a good balance of hands-on learning situations. Including science, and large motor games/activities. 
• Implementing and following LARA state regulations to maintain a safe and loving environment. 
• Participates in staff meetings, center, and YMCA activities. 
• Completes the required 16 hours per calendar year in early childhood developmental training. 
• Maintain a well-organized, free of clutter, safe and attractive classroom that focuses on optimal growth and development of children. 
• Enforce positive reinforcement with students when behavior issues arise.  
• Able to work in multiple environments, including a gym, different auditory levels, standing for extended periods, and getting up and down from the floor. 
• Develop a positive relationship with children and families. 
• Taking care of and using supplies wisely.  This includes a minimum number of color copies, utilizing scrap paper when able, making sure markers lids are tight, putting extra paint back in the container, etc. 
• Perform other duties and tasks required or assigned. 
• Any information about a child is kept inside the classroom between the teachers and the preschool director. It is not a good practice to talk about your student's behaviors or personal information with other staff. Doing this will result in a written warning. A second offense could lead to termination 
• Time-outs are not permitted, we focus on positive redirection. 
• Engagement with Children is required 
• No cell phones allowed in Post Care. 

END RESULTS:

• Provide a safe and loving environment for the children enrolled in YMCA Building Blocks Preschool. 
• Provide positive relations with those associated with the YMCA – members and community participants, parents, and children, alike, thereby ensuring high user satisfaction. 
• Provide positive relations with co-workers to ensure that the YMCA goals are being met. 
• It is best practice not to friend parents on social media, only through our classroom Facebook pages. If you decide to friend a parent on social media, you should remain neutral. Please do not post anything political, religious, or controversial.   

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement
• Collaboration
• Operational Effectiveness
• Personal Growth

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a Child-related field hour of experience. 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a child-related field. 
• Associated degree or higher in early childhood education or child development. 
• (C)Montessori credential with 480 hours. 
• Valid child development associate credential with 480 hours. 
• High school diploma/GED with 12 semester hours in early childhood/child development and 960 hours. 
• High school diploma /GED with a combination of 12 semester hours and or 18 CEU’s to equal 180 clock hours and 1920 hours. 
• (G)High school diploma /GED with a combination of 6 semester hours and / 9 CEU’s to equal 90 clock hours and 3,840 hours. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical mobility:  walking, climbing, stairs, standing, kneeling, bending, leaning, stooping, and sitting for extended periods
• Physical Dexterity:  ability to use telephone, computer, and electronic equipment
• Lifting:  ability to lift to 50 pounds
• Sensory Requirements:  the ability to hear, listen, speak, smell, touch, taste, see and distinguish colors
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

SIGNATURE:

I have reviewed and understand this job description.

__________________________________ _________________________________

Employee’s name Employee’s signature

Today’s date: _______________________

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.50 - $18.50 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person