Lead Teacher

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community.


General Function:
Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Lead Teacher is responsible for the general supervision and management of an assigned classroom of children, including implementing all lesson plans and implementation of classroom activities. The Lead Teacher is to provide for the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of all children assigned to his/her classroom. May be responsible for supervising the program in the director’s absence. With an emphasis on ensuring the highest quality service to members and guests, the Preschool Lead Teacher will work with all staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage all members, guests, and staff.

Qualifications:
1. Minimum of 21 years of age.
2. Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience required; core competency and course work required per the Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers.
3. Minimum one year experience in the group care of children.
4. Minimum one year experience in staff supervision.
5. Working knowledge of Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers.
6. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required within 30 days of hire.
7. Proof of a negative TB test within the last two years.
8. Complete and maintain required trainings to include but not limited to: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment upon hire and annually thereafter.
9. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.
10. Medication Administration (MAT) Certification within 30 days of hire.
Essential Functions:
1. Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.
2. Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
3. Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, health living and social responsibility.
4. Implement developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum for assigned classroom in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA.
5. Supervise the children within sight and sound during an assigned shift. Know the whereabouts of the children, and maintain knowledge of the number of children in the assigned group at all times.
6. Develop a daily calendar of activities and lesson plans which stimulate learning.
7. Oversee the work of staff and volunteers in the classroom, according to the policies and philosophy of the YMCA.
8. Establish an environment that is educationally stimulating, safe, inviting and flexible for children.
9. Keep accurate attendance and incident reports for each child in compliance with state licensing requirements.
10. Submit request for diminishing supplies and/or materials needed to Director or designated supervisor.
11. Responsible for daily health checks and ongoing supervision of each child’s personal hygiene needs.
12. Daily communication with staff, parents and Director.
13. Attend staff meetings and in-service training programs to meet additional educational requirements established by the Department of Social Services.
14. Assist in public relations, attending parent and parent-child events related to the program.
15. Use and manage discipline within the classroom and demonstrate methods of positive behavioral control in accordance with the YMCA’s policies and philosophy.
16. Demonstrate a professional attitude and behavior at all times while on duty.
17. Wear staff uniform and name tag, or professional attire when appropriate
18. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding individual children and their families.
19. Continue professional development through, reading journals, community involvement and further education.
20. May be responsible for supervising the program in the Director’s absence.
21. Maintain an overall clean and organized environment.
22. Follow department Association standards.
23. Provide staff with on-going supervision and training related to abuse risk.
24. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
25. Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual Support and United Way Campaigns.
26. Act as a leader in emergency situations. Report any accidents or incidents according to Emergency Communication Action Plan.
27. Ensure all members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow branch Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
28. Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Preschool Director and branch administration to assure the overall success of the program and safety of the children and staff.
YMCA Competencies (Team Leader):
Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Emotional Maturity, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy
Supervisory Responsibilities:
1. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Skills And Ability Requirements:
1. Ability to observe children’s behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
2. Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to preschool childcare participants.
3. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
4. Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and those situations requiring first aid.
5. Physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of children.
6. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Effect On End Result:
1. The membership growth and retention plan for the branch is achieved.
2. A high degree of member satisfaction is achieved as measured by Net Promoters.
3. A positive image of the YMCA is portrayed to members, staff, volunteers and the community.
4. A pleasant and comfortable working environment is maintained for all staff.
5. Relationships are strengthened through intentional interactions.
6. The facility will be safe, clean and an enjoyable place as measured by Q Checks and Risk Management Audits.
7. Superior quality standards are met as evidenced by department’s Association Audit Score and maintaining state licensure.


Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund. Includes YMCA Adult Membership.