YMCA Preschool Lead Teacher

YMCA Preschool Lead Teacher

Elk Point-Jefferson SD 61-7 YMCA - Elk Point, South Dakota

Job : 5285008

Final date to receive applications: Aug 15, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Jul 16, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories: Other Professional >
Other Classified Professional

Norm Waitt SR. YMCA Job Description

Job Title: Preschool Lead Teacher

Status: Full Time/Part Time, Non Exempt

Department: Early Learning

Reports to: Early Learning and Youth Development Director

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Preschool Lead Teacher at the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers.

Under the direction and supervision of the Early Learning Director, the Preschool Lead Teacher will supervise and guide a child’s development in a safe and healthy environment.

We are welcoming: we treat everyone with respect and dignity. We foster a culture of belonging where all individuals are valued for their contributions.
We are genuine: we support each team member’s professional growth.
We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of every individual to make a positive impact.
We are nurturing: and we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

• Create a welcoming, hopeful, determined, genuine and nurturing atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging among the preschoolers and helps them gain confidence, build relationships, and thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
• Create and maintain a clean and safe environment both physically and emotionally for all.
• Assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodation where appropriate. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met, and safety procedures followed as stated in the Employee Handbook.
• Supervise children, facilities, and all activities.
• Cultivate positive relationships and maintain effective communication with parents.
• Maintain program site, equipment, required program records and department files.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Y’s mission statement and values by maintaining the Y-Voice in all that you say and do - welcoming, hopeful, determined, genuine, and nurturing.
• Implement curriculum within the established guidelines.
• Prepare supplies, materials, etc., for each day.
• Always conduct themselves in a professional manner in and out of our program site.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others

• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• College degree or currently pursuing college degree (emphasis on education or business management) preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with varied educational or community settings preferred.
• Must have strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must have strong communication and organizational skills
• Must complete the following trainings:
  • Emergency procedure training
  • CPR/First Aid and Blood Born Pathogen Certification
  • Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Certification

• Work in a team environment and encourage open communication regarding concerns/issues with children, parents or co-workers.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
• Stand;…