Early Learning Lead Teacher

As a thought‑leader and best‑in‑class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community‑building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non‑profits serving in Atlanta. We’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Early Learning Teacher ensures the safety and well‑being of children ages six weeks to three years old and leads a co‑teaching environment.

• Directly supervise and develop classroom associates and manage day‑to‑day operations.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that advance intellectual and physical development.
• Apply developmentally appropriate, individualized, inclusive, age‑appropriate practices across all development areas.
• Meet all federal, state, local, and program compliance, implementation, and documentation requirements.
• Meet performance standards, licensing regulations, disability service requirements, and complete developmental assessments, parent conferences, and home visits.
• Actively participate in teaching activities by moving around the learning environment both indoors and outdoors.
• Provide constant supervision of children during all activities, indoors and outdoors, when under direct care.
• Re‑direct inappropriate behaviors in a positive, supportive, non‑punitive manner.
• Respond promptly to a child in distress by calming them in a nurturing way.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate feeding, toileting, cleaning, and health‑care practices for children with special needs.
• Model appropriate language behaviors, including grammatically correct verbal and written usage.
• Prepare lesson plans, materials, and environments that are organized, interactive, appropriate, clean, safe, and hands‑on.
• Plan and implement transition strategies for daily activities.
• Organize classroom space into functional interest centers that are easily recognizable and clutter‑free.
• Conduct and record ongoing observations describing whole‑child development rather than only problem behaviors.
• Behave professionally, open, cordial, family‑ and child‑centered, and in the program’s best interest.
• Attend and participate in required meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
• Ensure health, safety, classroom organization, aesthetic, and sanitation guidelines are followed.
• Report suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repairs, complaints, accidents, and injuries as required.

• Child Development Associate credential (CDA) in Infant and Toddler Education or higher.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry objects or children up to 50 lbs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

The employee must be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry objects or children up to 50 lbs.

• Pass a pre‑employment background check, including criminal record, drug screening, motor vehicle record, and reference check.
• Be legally eligible to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Location:

Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA Early Learning Center

Equal employment opportunity statement:
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.