Pre-K Lead Teacher - Full Time

Greater Philadelphia YMCA • Philadelphia, PA

2d

About The Position

The Pre-K Lead Teacher provides a safe, developmentally appropriate preschool education in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, and procedures in Pennsylvania. The teacher plans and leads child-centered, age-appropriate instruction following the prescribed curriculum and a learn-through-play approach. The role also supervises classroom staff, maintains required records and regulatory standards, communicates with families, conducts developmental assessments, and manages classroom resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related field with 60 ECE credits.
• Pennsylvania Instructional Level I or II certification in PNK or PK–4th; Level I may be accepted with participation in a Teacher Induction Plan.
• Attend and renew required training, including 12 hours of childcare-related training annually.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Pennsylvania Instructional Level II certification in PNK or PK–4th.

Responsibilities

• Plan classroom curriculum, including a Flexible Instruction Plan, and provide child-centered, age-appropriate lessons that follow the prescribed curriculum and learn-through-play philosophy.
• Ensure classroom staff actively participate in planning and implementing activities.
• Follow YMCA policies, state licensing regulations, and applicable quality-rating standards, including NAEYC, Keystone STARS, and Grow NJ Kids.
• Supervise classroom staff to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines for verbal interactions, learn-through-play techniques, and age-appropriate redirection.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, mobile emergency contact binders, trip binders, and allergy reports.
• Communicate children’s progress to parents effectively and promptly, while maintaining confidentiality and professional interactions.
• Ensure staff provide sensitive, patient care that meets the individual needs of children and families.
• Conduct developmental assessments and hold family conferences at least three times per year; accurately report outcomes using the funding source’s designated system, such as TSG/WSS.
• Ensure staff maintain clean classrooms, properly arranged centers, toy bins, and toys, and involve children in caring for classroom spaces and materials.
• Inform the Director of concerns about facilities, space, staffing, child-to-staff ratios, or developmental issues that may require early intervention.
• Plan and manage staffing and classroom resources, including materials and snacks, and ensure their timely and effective use.
• Balance small-group interaction and teacher-directed activities with child-choice activities as required by applicable standards.
• Attend staff and team-teaching meetings and plan Back to School Night.
• Attend and renew required trainings, including at least 12 hours of childcare-related training annually as detailed in the training plan.
• Maintain knowledge of NAEYC guidelines, Association policies and procedures, risk management, safety practices, funding requirements, and applicable laws.
• Lead by example and interact with professionalism and accountability.

Benefits

• Free YMCA membership with access to all branches.
• 50% off programming, including swimming lessons, childcare programs, day camp, and overnight camp.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Support from a team.
• Opportunities to learn and grow.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level