Child Development Lead Teacher – Toddler

Child Development Lead Teacher – Toddler

and the job listing Expires on March 6, 2026

Child Development Lead Teacher – Toddler

Rainbow Station, the childcare center located at the New Canaan YMCA, is looking for full time Lead Teachers in our Toddler classrooms. Join a team of caring, enthusiastic professionals dedicated to nurturing the best in our children. This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits, on site professional development, and free membership to the Y.

Under the direction of the Infant-Preschool Childcare Director and working collaboratively with all Teachers, the Child Development Teacher will be responsible for developing and implementing all daily aspects of the classroom program, and care of children. The Child Development Teacher will work toward providing a program to foster children’s social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, at all times, under the direction of the Director.

• Bachelors or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Preferred
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an Early Childhood Development Program
• Excellent communication skills and patience
• The individual must have the ability to work well with children in cooperation with other staff and parents of participants.
• Being responsive and flexible to the needs of the program
• Attentive and patient
• Documentation of a physical examination and a negative TINE test, valid within one year of employment is mandatory.
• Clear criminal background check.

• Provide a quality program that takes into consideration the needs of each child and the goals and objectives of the YMCA as well as local, state, federal regulations, and The Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards
• Be responsible for the safety and well-being of the children at all times
• Develop Lesson Plans which incorporate The Early Learning and Development Standards
• Prepare for lessons by prepping materials, activities and equipment
• Monitor and assess children’s progress using The Early Learning and Development Standards
• Write and communicate weekly communications with parents updating parents on the curriculum, classroom events, special activities, etc.
• Maintain accurate attendance records for children
• Work collaboratively with other teachers and staff members to promote a cohesive educational experience and ensure continuity of learning and care for students
• Prepare and cleanup snack and lunches
• Prep and cleanup the room for “rest time”
• Model and provide constructive feedback on effective teaching strategies and techniques for teaching assistants to observe and learn from
• Reinforce rules and create and maintain a safe and healthy setting that fosters children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respects their dignity and their contributions
• Base program practices upon current knowledge in the field of child development and related disciplines and upon particular knowledge of each child.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service training as required by the Director.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, colleague)
• Communicate pertinent information, obtained through contact with parents, to Co-Teachers, Teacher Assistants and the Director
• Be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to keep current through continuing education and in-service trainings
• Communicate with parents in a professional manner
• Assist in all YMCA activities and special events, as needed, to ensure their success.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Supervisor
• Take any trainings as requested by Supervisor or YMCA

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to pick up children and other 20lb+ objects, bend and reach, dance and play with children, as well as walking indoors and outdoors, climbing stairs and participating in classes with children (PE, Music, Bouncing Bears).

The incumbent must also regularly lift and/or move 20 pounds while performing their job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading and distance views for documenting and observing children.

While performing the duties of this job, this individual will be exposed to the outdoors and may be exposed to bodily fluids including but not limited to: soiled diapers, soiled clothing, vomit, blood.

• Quality childcare program that reflects a positive image of the YMCA and its service to the community.
• Positive growth and nurturing of children in the program by meeting individual development needs.
• Create a warm, friendly, YMCA atmosphere in which families can grow.

Linda

E. McMahon Student Commons, 2nd Floor
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825