Early Learning Center - Lead Teacher

EARLY LEARNING CENTER - LEAD TEACHER (Full-time) Purpose of Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Memphis & Mid‑South, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the general direction of the Center Director or Childcare Coordinator, the full‑time Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring the successful operation of an early learning classroom, supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of young children.

• Leading assigned classroom and taking responsibility for ensuring all classroom standards are met including, but not limited to:
• teach curriculum with fidelity
• bi‑weekly collaborative planning
• engaging in ongoing professional development opportunities as directed by Center Lead Teacher/Center Director
• Coaching and supporting Assistant Teachers in areas including, but not limited to:
• planning and implementation of the classroom daily schedule and structure.
• providing a high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting state of Tennessee early education standards.
• completing developmental portfolios on enrolled children.
• ensuring parents are communicated with regarding their child’s development through daily use of parent communication tools and parent conferences.
• maintaining clean, stimulating and orderly program spaces.
• submitting order requests appropriate supplies, equipment, and materials in a timely manner. maintaining accurate and complete records.
• establishing emergency procedures that meet or exceed all safety and licensing standards and that these procedures are followed.
• planning and conducting parent involvement events (i.e. Parent Group, picnics, holidays, and parent/child activities).
• Participating and taking an active role in planning program promotion and publicity.
• Complying with all risk management standards to ensure a safe environment, responding to all incidents and following the YMCA incident management process.
• Assuring compliance with state and local regulations, operating their classroom in conformity to state/county licensing and agency regulations.
• Maintaining all trainings and education hours required by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services‑Child care Licensing.
• Ensuring that program standards are met and safety procedures are followed.
• Modeling superior communication and leadership to their classroom team to include teachers, assistant teachers, and classroom aides.
• Assuming other duties and responsibilities as assigned by and agreed to with the Center Director or Child care Coordinator to meet the changing needs of the program.

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy‑in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

• 21 years of age or older.
• At least 12 college units in early childhood development or education. Comparable…