Lead Teacher - Preschool
About The Position
The Lead Teacher leads classroom instruction and daily care routines for the Westport Weston Family YMCA preschool program, serving children ages three through five. The role supports a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children learn through play and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The Lead Teacher works with the teaching team and program administration to foster positive family relationships, consistent child supervision, and high-quality programming that reflects the YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. The position includes guiding Assistant Teachers, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, supporting children’s behavior and individual needs, communicating with families, following safety and compliance procedures, and completing assigned classroom and administrative documentation.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of childcare experience.
- Experience supporting preschool-aged children and using positive behavior guidance.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Ability to support children with diverse developmental needs and backgrounds.
- CPR/First Aid/AED, Authorization to Administer Medication, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications, or ability to obtain them as required.
- Successful completion of required background checks, screenings, and staff training.
- Meet applicable state licensing eligibility requirements for assigned duties.
Nice To Haves
- Fluency in English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily classroom routines and care for children ages three through five.
- Develop and implement play-based lesson plans aligned with children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
- Actively supervise children and maintain accurate counts during activities and transitions.
- Prepare, clean, and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and activity spaces.
- Maintain accurate attendance and follow authorized pick-up and sign-in/sign-out procedures.
- Guide Assistant Teachers in classroom plans and consistent daily routines.
- Model positive teaching practices and provide constructive feedback to classroom staff.
- Coordinate classroom assignments, transitions, and daily responsibilities.
- Communicate staffing or classroom concerns to the Head Teacher and administration.
- Build trusting relationships with children and support their independence, confidence, and social skills.
- Use positive guidance, co-regulation, and developmentally appropriate behavior support.
- Adapt activities and care routines to children’s developmental needs, abilities, and approved support plans.
- Communicate respectfully with parents and guardians about children’s daily experiences.
- Refer sensitive concerns to program leadership and maintain confidentiality.
- Support family participation and positive connections to the YMCA community.
- Follow YMCA policies, applicable Connecticut Office of Early Childhood requirements, and health and safety procedures.
- Monitor classrooms, outdoor spaces, and materials for safety concerns and promptly report hazards.
- Follow emergency procedures and report injuries, incidents, and suspected child abuse or neglect as required.
- Follow approved allergy, medication, toileting, handwashing, meal, and rest-time procedures.
- Complete assigned attendance, classroom, developmental observation, and incident documentation.
- Track classroom supplies and communicate replenishment needs within approved procedures.
- Participate in program planning, staff training, and classroom cleaning and reset days.
- Perform related duties as assigned by program leadership.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
