Pre-K Lead Teacher - Full Time

Greater Philadelphia YMCA•Philadelphia, PA

4d•$21 - $25

About The Position

The Pre-K Lead Teacher provides a safe, developmentally appropriate preschool education in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania legislation, policies, and procedures. The teacher plans and leads classroom learning in line with the prescribed curriculum and the NAEYC learn-through-play philosophy, supervises classroom staff, and supports children’s individual needs and development. The role includes maintaining required records and classroom standards, communicating with families, conducting developmental assessments and family conferences, managing classroom resources and staffing, and completing required meetings and training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, or a related field with 60 ECE credits.
PA Instructional Level II certification in PNK or PK-4th preferred; Level I may be accepted with participation in a Teacher Induction Plan.
Complete required training, including 12 hours of childcare-related training annually, as detailed in the training plan.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
PA Instructional Level II in PNK or PK-4th.

Responsibilities

Plan classroom curriculum, including the Flexible Instruction Plan, following the prescribed curriculum and providing child-centered, age-appropriate lessons in accordance with the NAEYC learn-through-play philosophy.
Ensure classroom staff actively participate in planning and implementing activities.
Follow YMCA policies, applicable licensing regulations, and 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 daily attendance records, mobile emergency contact binders, trip binders, and allergy reports accurately.
Communicate children’s progress to parents effectively and promptly; ensure staff provide sensitive, patient, individualized care and communicate appropriately while maintaining confidentiality.
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 classroom cleanliness, center setup, toy storage, and children’s participation in maintaining classroom areas meet applicable standards.
Inform the Director of concerns regarding the facility, space, staffing, child-to-staff ratios, or developmental issues that may require early intervention.
Plan and manage classroom resources, staffing, materials, snacks, and other supplies effectively.
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 under YMCA policies and licensing and funding requirements, including at least 12 hours of childcare-related training annually as outlined in the training plan.
Read and maintain knowledge of NAEYC guidelines, Association policies and procedures, risk management, safety practices, program funding requirements, and applicable laws.
Lead by example and interact with professionalism and accountability.