Teacher, Preschool / Daycare
Listed on 2026-08-05
-
Education / Teaching
Preschool / Daycare, Early Childhood Education, Child Development/Support -
Child Care/Nanny
Preschool / Daycare, Child Development/Support
Lead Teacher
Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively influences the lives of children in your community. Working at the YMCA you'll discover more than a job – you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the community.
Our culture is brought to life by our mission and core values. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: 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.
As a Lead Teacher at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children ages 1 through 5 years. Through developmentally appropriate practices, relationship-based teaching, and play-based learning, you will support each child's cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. Working collaboratively with families and fellow teachers, you will foster school readiness, encourage a lifelong love of learning, and ensure a high-quality early learning experience while upholding the YMCA's mission and core values.
Essential functions include:
Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Create engaging and inclusive learning experiences that incorporate play-based and hands-on activities. Adapt curriculum to meet the individual needs and interests of children in the classroom.
Establish and maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment conducive to learning and exploration. Manage classroom routines and transitions effectively, promoting independence and self-regulation among children. Foster a positive classroom culture based on the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Conduct ongoing assessment of children's development and learning through observation, documentation, and informal assessments. Maintain accurate records of children's progress and communicate with parents/guardians regarding their child's development. Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for growth and support individualized learning goals.
Establish positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians, providing regular communication and opportunities for involvement in the classroom and program. Participate in parent-teacher conferences, workshops, and events to support family engagement and education. Engage with the broader community to enhance the preschool program's resources and opportunities for children and families.
Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the job, staying informed about best practices, research, and trends in early learning. Pursue opportunities for further education in early learning.
Leadership competencies include:
- Functional Expertise
- Program and Project Management
- Developing Self & Others
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Meet the minimum qualifications for "Lead Teacher" as defined by the VA Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety
- Staff shall be in good character and reputation
- CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire
- Completes all pre-employment requirements including background checks
- Adequate speaking, hearing and writing skills appropriate for interacting with children required
- Ability to be on time, every time for scheduled shifts required
- Ability to work at various program locations preferred
- Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds
Work environment and physical demands:
- Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
- While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and/or humid conditions
- Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
- Will be exposed to cleaning supplies
- Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
- Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications
- During peak program seasons, may be expected to work night and weekend hours to meet program needs
Background checks:
An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver's…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).