The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering a safe, developmentally appropriate preschool education following state legislation and the prescribed curriculum, ensuring child-centered, age-appropriate lessons are offered based on the learn through play philosophy. This role also involves supervising classroom staff to ensure adherence to all guidelines, maintaining accurate records, conducting developmental assessments, and ensuring effective communication with parents.
Requirements summary
Candidates should preferably possess a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with 60 ECE credits, and ideally hold a PA Instructional Level II certification (Level I is acceptable with participation in an Induction Plan). The role requires adherence to YMCA policies, state licensing regulations, and quality rating system standards while leading staff with professionalism and accountability.
bachelor degreePolicy AdherenceRecord KeepingProfessionalismStaff SupervisionRisk ManagementAccountabilitySafety PracticesParent CommunicationResource ManagementEarly Childhood EducationCurriculum PlanningDevelopmental AssessmentsTeam TeachingChild Centered LessonsLearn Through Play Philosophy
Job description
Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!
The Pre-K Lead Teacher is expected to provide a safe and developmentally appropriate preschool education in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures within the State of Pennsylvania as a Certified Teacher.
Some rewards for joining our team: Free YMCA membership - access to all branches!
50% off programming including swimming lessons as well as childcare programs (early learning care, before and after care, day camp and overnight camp).
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Comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, etc.
What is needed for this job: Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, or related field with 60 ECE credits PA Instructional Level II in PNK or PK-4th Preferred, can accept Level I with Participation in a Teacher Induction Plan The responsibilities we will trust you with: Plan curriculum, including Flexible Instruction Plan, for classroom following the proscribed curriculum and ensure child centered age-appropriate lessons are offered.
Adhere to learn through play NAEYC philosophy.
Ensure that staff in your room take on an active role in planning, implementing and actively participating in all activities.
Read and be accountable for YMCA Policies, State Licensing Body (PA- DHS / NJ-NJ DOE, OOL) regulations, and Quality Rating System standards (Example: NAEYC, Keystone STARS, Grow NJ Kids).
Supervise classroom staff to ensure that they are upholding all DOE/OOL/DHS/YMCA/Keystone stars/NAEYC guidelines for proper verbal interaction, proper learn through play techniques and age-appropriate redirection as a form of discipline.
Accurately maintain daily records of attendance, mobile emergency contact binders, trip binders and allergy reports.
Ensure effective and timely communication of child progress with parents.
Ensure that staff in your classroom maintain sensitivity and patience with the children and parents and provide care to meet the individual needs of the child/families.
Always maintain confidentiality, and ensure staff are using correct verbal interactions with parents.
Conduct developmental assessments on the children and follow up with Family Conferences at a minimum of 3 times per year, report outcomes accurately using the outcomes reporting system designated by the funding source (TSG/WSS).
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Free Ymca Membership
Discounted Programming
Ensure staff adhere to the DOE/OOL DHS/YMCA/ECERS/NAEYC standards for maintaining cleanliness, centers set up, toy bins and correct return of toys to areas.
Ensure that staff are engaging children in the maintaining of said centers and items.
Inform Director of any concerns regarding facility, space, staffing, child/staff ratios or child developmental issues that may require early intervention.
Effectively plan and manage resources.
Ensure effective staffing.
Ensure timely and effective use of materials, snacks, and other classroom resources.
Ensure that staff in your room are also maintaining effective methods of usage.
Ensure balance of small group interaction teacher directed activities vs. child choice activities, as required by NAEYC/Keystone STARS.
Attend Staff Meetings/Team Teaching Meetings.
Plan Back to School Night.
Attend and renew as needed all trainings according to YMCA policies and licensing and funding requirements, including but not limited to 12 hours of childcare related trainings annually as detailed in your training plan.
Read the NAEYC guidelines to be knowledgeable in the NAEYC procedures, and approach to early childhood education.
Maintain knowledge of Association policies and procedures, risk management, safety practices, program funding requirements and applicable laws.
Lead by example at all times.
Interact with a high level of professionalism and accountability.
What you can expect: Support from an amazing team Opportunities to learn & grow Being a part of a non-profit organization that works to make the community stronger After reading this, if you're thinking this is great- we want to meet you!
Get the ball rolling with our quick, 3-minute online application.
The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer.
The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.
Market context
Classroom teacher roles remain competitive in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, classroom teacher openings often draw candidates with early-childhood or childcare experience, especially when child development knowledge and classroom routines are part of the role. These positions can be competitive because employers look for strong organization, communication, time management, and current First Aid/CPR certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm the original posting for any credential or schedule details before applying.
