Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Teacher

YMCA of the Twin Tiers; City of Olean (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the Twin Tiers is seeking an Early Learning Center Lead Teacher to oversee daily classroom operations, implement curriculum, and ensure compliance with OCFS and YMCA policies. The role includes planning, documentation, and strong parent communication in a supportive youth development environment.

The position requires an associate degree in Early Childhood or related field (Bachelors preferred), CDA or equivalent, and CPR/First Aid certification, with experience in daycare settings.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood, Childhood Development or related field; Bachelors preferred.
• Minimum education of CDA Credential.
• One year of experience with children in daycare; two years preferred.
• Ability to adhere to YMCA policies and NYS OCFS regulations.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Implements the assigned Curriculum and prepares age-appropriate activities.
• Submits lesson plans within the established timeframe.
• Maintains child records in compliance with OCFS regulations and YMCA policies.
• Communicates with parents/guardians using YMCA methods; completes daily notes.
• Ensures compliance with NYS OCFS daycare regulations and safety protocols.
• Maintains a safe, warm, engaging classroom environment.
• Supervises and trains classroom assistants and aides.
• Maintains proper staff-child ratios at all times.
• Uses positive behavior management per YMCA and OCFS guidelines.
• Participates in 30 hours of training per year, including 25% in special needs.

Skills

Curriculum implementation

Classroom management

Parent communication

Team supervision

Education

Associates degree in Early Childhood or related field

Bachelors degree preferred

CDA Credential

CPR and First Aid certifications

Job description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Teacher is responsible for classroom oversight and management on a day to day basis.
This will be a Full-Time position working 8.5 hours between the hours of 8:30am - 6:00pm with a 45 minute lunch. The 8.5 hours will be based on center needs and candidate preferences.
Essential Functions

• Implements the assigned Curriculum in the classroom. Prepares and implements age appropriate activities to promote age appropriate development and growth.
• Submits lesson plans in the established time frame through the designated submission platform.
• Maintains assigned childrens records, including any daily documentation (assessments, questionnaires, etc.), in compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and YMCA policy and procedures.
• Positively and professionally communicates information directly with parents/guardians using approved YMCA communication methods. Responsible for completing necessary daily notes for families that reflect the childs daily experiences in the program.
• Ensures compliance with NYS Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) Daycare regulations (i.e. safety, nutrition, discipline, staff, health care plan, training, diapering/toileting, etc.)
• Maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and inviting environment at all times, for all entering the ELC and classroom.
• Identifies and resolves problem areas to ensure parent satisfaction.
• Acts as a role model for children and adults by conducting themselves in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner at all times.
• Ensures safety and appropriate behavior in the classroom/ELC and manages transitions smoothly.
• Works with the ELC Leadership in the design of the classroom space and is responsible for making sure that materials are ready for use and put away at the end of the day.
• Responsible for the supervision and training of classroom assistant teachers and aides.
• Keeps the safety of children as a first priority by maintaining OCFS child to staff ratios at all times. Emphasizes personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff at all times.
• Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior management as established by the YMCA and NYS OCFS.
• Participates in and completes the required 30 hours of training per year including 25% that must be in the area of children with special needs.
• Assists ELC leadership in evaluating the assigned classroom staff annually.
  

Qualifications
Associates degree in Early Childhood, Childhood Development or related field (ie: human services, social services, education, etc.); Bachelors preferred.
Minimum education of Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or college credits with plan of study to obtain CDA Credential.
One year of experience working with children in a daycare setting, specifically with children under the age of 2; Two years of experience preferred.
Understanding of and ability to demonstrate the YMCA core values at all times
Understanding of an ability to adhere to YMCA policies as well as New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations
Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.
Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
CPR and First Aid certifications required.