Lead Teacher

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION KANKAKEE•Kankakee, IL

21d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Lead Teacher supports the work of the Kankakee Area YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading high-quality early childhood education experiences for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K. This position creates a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes school readiness, social-emotional growth, and positive relationships with children and families. The Lead Teacher provides classroom leadership by mentoring Assistant Teachers, supporting daily center operations, maintaining licensing compliance, and serving as a role model in delivering mission-driven care aligned with YMCA values.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 19 years of age.
Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Early Childhood Lead Teacher by possessing one of the following: 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university, including at least 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or One year of child development experience and 30 semester hours, including at least 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or other qualifying credential recognized by DCFS.
Meet all DCFS licensing requirements, including background checks, fingerprinting (if required), TB screening, medical examination, and immunization documentation.
Register with Gateways to Opportunity.
ExcelleRate Illinois Early Childhood Credential Level 3 or higher.
CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, and YMCA New Employee Orientation certifications (or obtained within required timelines).
Complete Mandated Reporter Training, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Food Handler Training within required timeframes.
Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of approved professional development annually.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to lead classroom staff while building positive relationships with children and families.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Training in ECERS/ITERS Quality Rating Scales preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement daily lesson plans using approved curriculum and Illinois Early Learning Standards.
Create and maintain a safe, structured, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that supports each child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
Provide positive behavior guidance through developmentally appropriate redirection, encouragement, and reinforcement.
Maintain active supervision of children at all times while ensuring required staff-to-child ratios are met.
Lead, mentor, train, and support Assistant Teachers by modeling best teaching practices and promoting a positive team environment.
Support classroom staff through delegation of daily responsibilities and effective communication.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with families through regular communication, daily updates, conferences, and the Brightwheel communication platform.
Maintain accurate classroom records including attendance, meal counts, developmental observations, incident reports, behavior reports, medication documentation, and other required licensing records.
Ensure compliance with all YMCA policies, DCFS licensing regulations, health department requirements, and established safety procedures.
Maintain classroom organization, sanitation, and cleanliness in accordance with health and safety standards.
Assist with center events, family engagement activities, enrollment efforts, marketing initiatives, and community outreach as assigned.
Support budget-conscious use of classroom materials and supplies.
Based on qualifications, serve as the designated person in charge during the Childcare Director's absence when assigned, exercising delegated authority within YMCA policies, DCFS licensing regulations, and established operating procedures to ensure the safe and effective operation of the center.
Support daily center operations by coordinating classroom staffing, maintaining required staff-to-child ratios, assisting with medication administration in accordance with YMCA policies, responding appropriately to child illness or behavioral concerns, and providing operational support across classrooms as needed.
Complete administrative and operational responsibilities including filing, inventory management, classroom coverage, center-wide cleaning responsibilities, and other duties assigned to support program operations.
Perform all other duties as assigned.