Lead Teacher

Description

Organization: YMCA of Indiana County

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

The YMCA of Indiana County is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Licensed Childcare Program. In this role, you will lead the classroom, nurture the potential of every child, and serve as a key contributor to our goal of being the leading childcare provider across Indiana County.

What You’ll Do

• Classroom Leadership: Plan and submit weekly lesson plans that encourage emotional, social, cognitive, language, and physical development through play and structured activities.
• Team Guidance: Supervise, support, and collaborate with Assistant Teachers and Aides in your classroom, including developing schedules to maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
• Child Safety & Care: Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment while ensuring full compliance with PA Department of Human Services regulations and YMCA quality standards.
• Assessments & Documentation: Complete required 45-day child assessments, maintain neat and accurate child files, and keep classroom records up to date.
• Family Engagement: Build positive relationships with families, prepare for and conduct parent-teacher conferences, and lead tours for prospective childcare families.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in floor activities, sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, crouch, and reach.
• Regularly lift up to 35 lbs and occasionally exert up to 50 lbs of force to move equipment or assist children.
• Visually supervise children and respond promptly to alarms or emergencies in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Qualifications

Education & Licensing

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in education or a related field (or meet qualifications as permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services under 55 PA Code Chapter 3270).
• Knowledge of child development, lesson planning, and positive behavior management techniques.
• Experience developing curriculum and using Microsoft Office is preferred.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Strong communication, leadership, and organization skills with a patient and professional demeanor.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation.
• Alignment with YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Clearances & Mandatory Hiring Requirements

• At Time of Hire: DHS Fingerprint, State Police PATCH, PA Child Abuse Clearance, Mandated Reporter training, and completed Disclosure Statement.
• Health Requirements: Current Staff Health Assessment and negative TB test documentation.
• Certifications: Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and Great American Academy certifications (required within 90 days of hire).
• Training: Completion of all required PA DHS pre-service training modules.