Childcare Lead Teacher

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The Childcare Lead Teacher supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The Lead Teacher creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes all children and families while promoting and maintaining a strong educational program in accordance with the YMCA and licensing and quality requirements.

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non‑profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life‑changing programs for all.

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full‑time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more!
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00

• Develop and implement weekly lesson plans and program goals with the support of director.
• Interact with all children to encourage their individual development daily.
• Maintain necessary program records.
• Establish relationships and maintain positive communication with all guardians.
• Maintain supervision of all students.
• Provide a safe, clean, and risk‑free environment.
• Engage with the children to encourage their development and involvement in activities.
• Maintain maintenance records, including, but not limited to accident and incident reports, sign‑in/out sheets, attendance records.
• Greet parents and children daily and report or direct parental concerns to the lead teacher or director.
• Adhere to all program and district professional expectations and compliance.
• Use age‑appropriate positive guidance to support children.
• Follow DHS procedures and help others do as well.
• Provide care for the needs of children.
• Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, or the Human Services field OR
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including 30 credit hours Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, or the Human Services field and one‑year experience with children OR
• Associate degree with a minimum of 2 years’ experience
• Must keep an up‑to‑date DHS file
• Ability to effectively use technology for programmatic needs
• Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, communicate and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel;

reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Will be exposed to illness‑causing bacteria and viruses.

Not meeting every single requirement? That’s perfectly okay! Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you’re excited about this role, don’t let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application! You could be exactly what we’re looking for!

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