Lead Teacher - PRE-K Counts Program

YMCA of Greater Erie•Erie, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Downtown YMCA of Greater Erie is seeking creative, energetic, and fun-loving Lead Teachers for its PRE-K COUNTS program in Erie County for the 2026-2027 school year. This position is responsible for delivering a program that meets the highest Keystone STARS rating. The PRE-K COUNTS program is established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide quality pre-kindergarten opportunities. As a Lead Teacher, you will assist the child care program director in ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all children. This involves providing proper supervision and discipline, acting as a role model, and planning, developing, and implementing the curriculum with daily lesson plans and activities with the help of the Assistant Teacher. You will also be responsible for assuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, assisting with the enrollment of new children and their parents, and communicating with parents daily. You will implement lesson plans based on child development principles, keep the classroom clean and organized, maintain accurate classroom records, and ensure compliance with YMCA standards and government regulations. You will also attend and participate in family events and program activities.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age
BA or BS Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education with PreK - 4 Certification
BA or BS Degree or higher in any related field w/30 ECE credits with PreK - 4 Certification
Elementary Education Degree w/18 ECE credits with PreK Certification
BA or BS Degree in any related field with PreK-4 Certification
Ability to pass a background check (FBI, Child Abuse, State Police, and NSOR)
Ability to pass a physical
Negative TB test
Acquire a minimum of twenty four (24) hours of training annually or as the individual professional plan requires.
Love for children
Understanding of child development and teaching strategies
Patience and ability to remain calm when stressed
Enjoy reading and singing with children

Responsibilities

Deliver a program that meets the highest Keystone STARS rating.
Provide proper supervision and discipline for the children.
Act as a role model for the children at all times.
Plan, develop, and implement the curriculum with daily lesson plans and activities.
Assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations in the classroom.
Assist with the enrollment of new children and facilitate the onboarding of each child and his/her parents.
Communicate with parents on a daily basis.
Implement lesson plans based on child development principles.
Keep the classroom clean and in order.
Keep classroom records up to date and accurate.
Ensure compliance with YMCA standards and government regulations.
Attend and participate in all family events and program activities.