Lead Teacher

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver • Denver, CO

9d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher is part of the Y Academy Early Childhood Team and works with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a co-teaching, play-based learning environment. The role delivers professional customer service and builds relationships with children and families while implementing educational curriculum. The teacher helps create a classroom where children feel safe, included, supported, and excited to learn, and collaborates with assistant teachers and other early childhood professionals to support children's development and success.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• 3,185 hours of verified experience caring for and supervising four or more children under age 8 who are not related to the applicant.
• Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 1 or higher in version 3.0 of the Colorado Shines PDIS credentialing system.
• Six semester credits in Early Childhood Education, including one course in 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.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of teaching, caring for, and ensuring the overall safety of children, including frequently performing activities such as standing, walking, sitting, handling objects and tools, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Close vision, distance vision, and ability to focus.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, inclusive classroom centered on play-based learning and the whole child.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children.
• Support each child's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and development.
• Plan and implement curriculum using appropriate practices and the Reggio-Emilia approach.
• Participate in family-friendly parent-teacher conferences and engagement programs.
• Maintain a cheerful, nurturing, healthy, safe, clean, and organized classroom with materials readily available to children.
• Share children's accomplishments with families and send photos or videos at timely intervals through approved communication channels.
• Assess children's developmental milestones using Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Collaboratively lead a classroom team to support children's growth and success.
• Assist in planning and preparing professional development for early childhood professionals.
• Help create a center-wide shared vision for a team-teaching environment.
• Develop a strong understanding of and connection with YMCA programs and offerings.
• Build meaningful relationships with families through communication and partnership.
• Lead and mentor assistant teachers and support their professional growth.

Benefits

• Health care
• Vision care
• Dental insurance
• Retirement contribution options, including a company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Free membership program
• Program discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed