Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

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.

Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.

Qualifications:

• 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

Upon hire:

• 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

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