Early Childhood Lead Teacher

YOUR IMPACT

This role is crucial to the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Lead Teacher will play a critical role in the successful operation of their designated YMCA classroom. This role develops and leads high-quality early childhood activities that foster each child’s growth—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

The lead teacher provides a positive classroom experience for children and families, implements age-appropriate curriculum, and supports all age groups as needed within the program.

No two days are the same in this role — but every day centers on leading high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming, supporting and coaching staff, and creating a safe, nurturing environment where children and families feel valued and supported.

• Lead the day by creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Guide children and staff through daily routines, activities, and transitions.
• Coach and support team members, including new hires and volunteers.
• Build meaningful connections with children and families, including leading conferences.
• Ensure program quality and maintain compliance with all state regulations and safety standards.
• Track children’s progress through observations, documentation, and assessments.
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming learning spaces.
• Step in where needed to support classrooms, events, and daily operations.

If you’re a confident leader who enjoys variety, takes initiative, and is passionate about helping children and teams grow — this role is for you.

• Position 1: YMCA Children's Learning Center

  Full-Time, Non-Exempt
  Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  $18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant‑funded differential)
  Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly.

• Position 2: YMCA Children's Learning Center

  Full-Time, Non-Exempt
  Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  $18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant‑funded differential)
  Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly.

• Position 3: YMCA Children's Learning Center

  Full-Time, Non-Exempt
  Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  $18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant‑funded differential)
  Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly.
  
  Note:
  
  This position has a lead time of 6-8 weeks before placement.
  Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.

• Minimum age of 19 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have completed 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours in courses directly related to childcare and/or development from birth to age six; or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); or 1 year of child development experience and 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours directly related to child care and/or development from birth to age six.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings.

• Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test.
• Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718‑B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary).
• A minimum of 3 written references.
• Register with Gateways to Opportunity.
• Ability to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in‑service training per calendar year.
• Complete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFS.
• Training in ECERS/ITERS Quality Rating Scale trainings and assessments.
• Excelle Rate Illinois Early Childhood Credential Level 3 or higher preferred.
• Training in Creative Curriculum and Assessment preferred.

Employment benefit information available HERE.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y:
We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.