Full-Time Childcare Lead Teacher (Preschool)

COUNTRYSIDE YMCA•Lebanon, OH

3d•$15 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

Countryside YMCA is hiring a full-time Lead Teacher to lead a preschool classroom in Lebanon, Ohio. The teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate experiences that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, using applicable Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards. The role combines classroom leadership, child supervision, family communication, documentation, and adherence to health, safety, and childcare requirements. The Lead Teacher creates a welcoming and organized environment where children feel safe and respected, guides positive behavior, encourages independence, and supports healthy habits and relationships. The teacher also builds ongoing relationships with parents and guardians, communicates children’s progress, and follows procedures when developmental concerns arise. The position oversees daily classroom operations, including lesson planning, observations, records, attendance, activities, meals, and medication administration as applicable. It includes maintaining classroom readiness and program quality, following Ohio childcare licensing and CACFP requirements, and completing required Step Up To Quality documentation, assessments, interviews, credentials, training, and professional development. The Lead Teacher collaborates with educators and center leadership to support program goals and high-quality learning experiences. Candidates must meet applicable Ohio childcare Lead Teacher qualifications and Countryside YMCA hiring requirements. Relevant early childhood education, childcare experience, and professional credentials are valued. The work involves active classroom participation, extended standing, frequent bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds; exposure to common childhood illnesses is possible. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities. All employees must follow YMCA child protection policies, including screening, training, professional conduct expectations, and prompt reporting of suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior.

Requirements

Meet applicable Ohio childcare Lead Teacher qualifications and Countryside YMCA hiring requirements.
Be committed to meeting applicable Ohio childcare licensing, training, and background-check requirements.
Have experience planning and leading age-appropriate classroom activities.
Understand early childhood development, positive behavior guidance, and effective teaching practices.
Communicate confidently and respectfully with children, families, and coworkers.
Manage classroom routines while remaining flexible and responsive to children’s needs.
Be organized, dependable, and comfortable maintaining required documentation.
Work collaboratively while taking responsibility for the classroom.
Participate in active classroom activities, including extended periods of standing, frequent bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Relevant early childhood education.
Childcare experience.
Professional credentials.

Responsibilities

Design and implement classroom experiences that promote children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Use applicable Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards to guide developmentally appropriate activities, routines, and learning opportunities.
Create a welcoming, organized classroom where children feel safe, respected, and confident.
Guide positive behavior with age-appropriate strategies and encourage independence, healthy habits, and relationships.
Communicate with parents and guardians about children’s experiences, accomplishments, and developmental progress.
Recognize potential developmental concerns and follow procedures for sharing observations and addressing concerns.
Oversee daily classroom operations, including child supervision, lesson planning, developmental observations, recordkeeping, and maintaining an engaging learning environment.
Support classroom readiness and program quality through required Step Up To Quality documentation, assessments, interviews, and professional credentials.
Meet children’s daily needs through attentive care, appropriate supervision, and consistent health and safety practices.
Maintain records of attendance, activities, meals, and medication administration as applicable.
Follow cleaning and sanitation procedures, Ohio childcare licensing regulations, and Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
Collaborate with fellow educators and center leadership to support program goals and quality learning experiences.
Participate in required training, professional development, and other center responsibilities as needed.
Follow YMCA child protection policies and procedures, including prompt reporting of suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior.