Lead Preschool Teacher

Description

Starting August 2026
Ask about the W.A.G.E.S. Program: https://www.tnwages.org/
Ages 6 weeks – 5 years old

8:00 am – 5:00 pm (schedule dependent on drop‑off/pick‑up times), with a 1‑hour break.

Under the direction of the Early Learning Director, the Early Learning Lead Teacher develops, plans, and implements quality programming for infant/toddler and preschool classrooms. Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring a developmentally appropriate program, maintaining child safety, and supporting the YMCA of East Tennessee mission and Department of Human Services policies.

• Implements strategies to support enrollment and retention of members, creating a member‑focused culture and modeling relationship‑building skills.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of center philosophy, policies, TNLC licensing, TNELDS, ITERS/ECERS criteria, and communicates them effectively to co‑workers, parents, and community.
• Supervises teacher assistants and handles daily record‑keeping (e.g., CACFP, attendance, child reports).
• Assists in staff training and development; maintains individual training plans meeting DHS 3‑Star standards.
• Collaborates with the Early Learning Director to develop programming, plan lessons, schedule activities, and oversee daily operations.
• Plans and promotes monthly family engagement activities supporting whole‑child development.
• Promotes the program throughout the year.
• Attends required staff meetings and conducts on‑site staff meetings regularly.
• Follows all Y policies, rules, regulations, and emergency procedures; completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Directly or indirectly manages teacher assistants, substitute staff, and volunteers. Duties include assigning work, evaluating performance, training, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and coordinating evaluations. Monitors daily operations to ensure compliance with Y health and safety standards and policies.

• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• High school diploma or GED required;
  Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• 1–3 years of supervisory experience and strong supervisory skills.
• Good organizational and task‑oriented skills.
• Experience working with the general public and professionals in the school system.
• Experience with DHS‑licensed child care/early child care agency highly preferred.
• Y Team Leader certification preferred; knowledge of and experience with diverse populations valued.

Ability to solve practical problems, interpret a variety of instructions, and adapt to variable situations.

Employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather. Noise level is usually moderate.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic and operations with numbers and units.

Requires occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands and fingers. Requires normal vision and the ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in outdoor and indoor settings.

Ability to read, interpret, and write routine reports and correspondence; effectively communicate with children and staff.

• DHS Training Courses (required before starting).
• CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of hire.
• New Employee Orientation required prior to starting.
• Additional training, licenses, and courses may be required during employment.

The YMCA of East Tennessee is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome all ages, colors, disabilities, ethnicities, family or marital status, gender identities or expressions, languages, national origins, physical and mental abilities, political affiliations, races, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

$16.00 – $19.50 per hour

The YMCA of East Tennessee is an equal‑opportunity employment employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.