Children's Center - Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher - Children's CenterAbout the Role

Are you ready to take the next step in your early childhood career? Countryside YMCA's Children's Center in Lebanon is seeking an experienced Lead Teacher to guide a classroom and mentor fellow staff. As part of a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, you'll take ownership of your classroom's success while helping the Center meet Ohio Preschool Content Standards, Step Up to Quality, USDA Child & Adult Care Food Program, and ODJFS requirements.

What You'll Do

As Lead Teacher, you'll take the lead in your assigned classroom, including:

Owning overall classroom operations — planning developmentally appropriate activities and supervising children throughout the day
Managing Step Up to Quality documentation, staff interviews, and credentialing requirements
Attending to children's daily needs, including dressing, feeding, and monitoring activities and playtime
Supporting children's emotional, social, and physical growth and positive self-concept
Identifying signs of developmental or emotional concerns and communicating with parents, guardians, or other parties when appropriate
Guiding classroom behavior using developmentally appropriate discipline strategies
Teaching healthy habits around eating, resting, and personal hygiene
Sanitizing and maintaining toys, furniture, and classroom equipment
Keeping detailed records of observations, activities, meals, and medications for each child
Handling additional duties as assigned

QualificationsWhat You Bring

Strong communication skills with parents, coworkers, and children
Patience and understanding in working with children and families
Deep knowledge of childcare principles, procedures, and early childhood teaching strategies
Ability to build a warm, enjoyable classroom atmosphere
Comfort taking initiative and ownership of classroom operations

Physical Requirements

This role involves extended periods of standing, frequent bending, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. As with any childcare environment, exposure to common illness-causing bacteria and viruses is expected.

Perks of Joining Us

Full-time team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package plus a free family membership to Countryside YMCA.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Countryside YMCA is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care. We follow best practices for abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for staff and volunteers. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and take all allegations and concerns seriously. All employees must follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and immediately report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Countryside YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.