Early Learning Center Lead Teacher
Listed on 2026-08-31
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Education / Teaching
Preschool / Daycare, Early Childhood Education, Child Development/Support -
Child Care/Nanny
Preschool / Daycare, Child Development/Support
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is hiring an Early Learning Center Lead Teacher at our Puyallup ELC location.
As the Early Learning Lead Teacher, you will support theYMCAEarly Learning Center (ELC) program year-round to serve our community and youth with a variety of activity options to explore, develop interests, and talents with a focus on safety, health, social growth, and academic enhancement so that children have fun, grow and thrive in our care.
If hired for this position, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing services of the Child Care program within the Early Learning Center.
Compensation: $22.36 to $33.67 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)
Position type: Full-Time, 40 Hours Per Week
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options YMCA paid Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement saving plan. After 2 years of Full-Time employment, the YMCA will contribute 8% of your monthly earnings
- Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with years of service)
- 8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year
- Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program and Life Mart employee discount center
- Professional training, education and certification opportunities
- 20% discount on YMCA programs, Child Care services, and merchandise
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for Full-Time employees
Qualifications,
Skills and Abilities:
- Two years or more of related experience in an Early Learning setting (preferred).
- 18 years of age or older.
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
- Have at minimum an Early Childhood Education Short Certificate.
- Have or are willing to obtain an Early Childhood Education State Certificate.
- Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
- A desire to have fun, engage with children, and inspire creativity.
- Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age-appropriate techniques.
- Knowledge and skills to lead a large group using behavior management skills (preferred).
- Possesses (or is willing to obtain prior to hire): CPR, First Aid, TB Test, Food Handler’s Card, Child Care Basic STARS, proof of MMR vaccine, Merit account.
- Able to complete a Department of Children, Youth, and Families Portable Background Check.
- Able up to lift 50 lbs. and move quickly to engage with the children.
- Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
- Committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
Essential Functions:
- Support the YMCA Early Learning Center (ELC) program year-round.
- Serve the community by providing a variety of programs and activities that encourage children to explore and develop their interests and talents, with a focus on safety, health, social growth, and academic enrichment.
- Provide balanced opportunities for recreation, education, and character development through engaging and enriched activities.
- Plan, organize, and implement childcare programs and services at the YMCA Early Learning Center.
- Maintain positive communication with parents, children, schools, and staff while practicing effective risk management and fostering positive community relationships.
At the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, our primary objective is to empower people, inspire action, and strengthen the communities we call home. Join our team and support the Y’s efforts to connect all people to their full potential and purpose.
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled
Location(s)302 43rd Ave SE, Puyallup , Washington 98374 , United States
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Information on race, gender and national origin will only be used for statistical and recordkeeping purposes, and will not be used in making any employment decisions. All information provided will be kept separate from your expression of interest.
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