Lead Teacher

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver•Denver, CO

14d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher, working as part of the Y Academy Early Childhood Team, will deliver professional customer service and relationship-building skills to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Lead Teacher will work in a co-teaching environment and will be responsible for implementing educational curriculum in our play-based learning environment. For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all. Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together. Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

Requirements

Minimum 18 years of age.
Have 3,185 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual.
Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 1 or higher in version 3.0 of the Colorado Shines PDIS credentialing system.
Six semester credits in the field of Early Childhood Education with one course being Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Early Childhood Guidance Strategies or Pyramid Plus Model Training.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Passion for helping young children thrive.

Nice To Haves

Create a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels valued and included.
Plan fun, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity, exploration, and growth.
Lead and mentor assistant teachers to create a strong, supportive classroom team.
Build meaningful relationships with families through communication and partnership.
Support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Maintain a safe, organized, and nurturing learning environment.
Believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Bring energy, creativity, and patience to the classroom.
Enjoy collaborating with other educators and supporting their growth.
Understand that play is powerful learning.

Responsibilities

Create an environment of play-based learning that is foundational and focused on the whole child.
Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children.
Nurture physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and development of each child.
Plan and implement curriculum according to appropriate practices and the Reggio Emilia approach.
Plan to participate in family-friendly parent-teacher conferences and engagement programs.
Maintain a cheerful, nurturing, healthy, safe, and clean classroom environment.
Ensure the classroom is inviting and materials are readily available to children.
Share individual child's accomplishments and send photos/videos at timely intervals to parents through approved communication channels.
Assess child's developmental milestones through the Teaching Strategies Gold.
Collaboratively lead a team to support children's growth and success in the classroom.
Assist in planning and preparing professional development for early childhood professionals.
Create a shared vision, center-wide, for a team-teaching environment.
Have a deep understanding and connection with YMCA programs and offerings.

Benefits

Health and Vision Care
Dental
Generous Retirement Contribution Options - Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
Paid Time off
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Free Membership Program
Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
Paid Time off for those scheduled and working 20+ per week