FT Lead Teacher- Grace Early Learning Center

YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South seeks a full-time Lead Teacher for Grace Early Learning Center in Cordova, TN. This role oversees a classroom, guides curriculum delivery, and supports both children and staff to ensure a high-quality, developmentally appropriate program.

Responsibilities include collaborative planning, parent communication, and maintaining compliance with state licensing and safety standards, while promoting the YMCA mission.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Two or more years of experience as an early learning educator.
• Knowledge of Tennessee childcare licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned classroom and ensure all standards are met.
• Teach curriculum with fidelity and plan daily schedules.
• Coach and support Assistant Teachers and staff.
• Maintain accurate records and developmental portfolios.

Skills

21+ years of age

Experience in early learning

Licensing knowledge

Education

State approved first-aid certification

CPR certification

TB test or negative result

Medical Physical Exam

Minimum STARS training

Job description

FT Lead Teacher- Grace Early Learning Center Cordova, TN

Job Type

Full-time

Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Memphis & Mid‑South, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the general direction of the Center Director or Childcare Coordinator, the full‑time Leader Teacher is responsible for ensuring the successful operation of an early learning classroom, supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of young children.

Lead Teachers breakdown:

Nursery/Infant Care classroom Lead Teacher

Toddlers classroom Lead Teacher

3-4 years old classroom Lead Teacher

4-5 years old classroom Lead Teacher

Essential Functions

• Leading assigned classroom and taking responsibility for ensuring all classroom standards are met including, but not limited to:
• Teach curriculum with fidelity
• Bi‑weekly collaborative planning
• Engaging in ongoing professional development opportunities as directed by Center Lead Teacher/Center Director
• Coaching and supporting Assistant Teachers in areas including, but not limited to:
• Planning and implementation of the classroom daily schedule and structure.
• Providing a high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum meeting state of Tennessee early education standards.
• Completing developmental portfolios on enrolled children.
• Ensuring parents are communicated with regarding their child’s development through daily use of parent communication tools and parent conferences.
• Maintaining clean, stimulating and orderly program spaces.
• Submitting order requests appropriate supplies, equipment, and materials in a timely manner.
• Maintaining accurate and complete records.
• Establishing emergency procedures that meet or exceed all safety and licensing standards and that these procedures are followed.
• Planning and conducting parent involvement events (i.e. Parent Group, picnics, holidays, and parent/child activities).
• Participating and taking an active role in planning program promotion and publicity.
• Complying with all risk management standards to ensure a safe environment, responding to all incidents and following the YMCA incident management process.
• Assuring compliance with state and local regulations, operating their classroom in conformity to state/county licensing and agency regulations.
• Maintaining all trainings and education hours required by the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services - Child care Licensing.
• Ensuring that program standards are met and safety procedures are followed.
• Modeling superior communication and leadership to their classroom team to include teachers, assistant teachers, and classroom aides.
• Assuming other duties and responsibilities as assigned by and agreed to with the Center Director or Child care Coordinator to meet the changing needs of the program.

YMCA Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy‑in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 21 years of age or older.
• At least 12 college units in early childhood development or education. Comparable training, coursework or certifications will be considered.
• Two or more years of experience as an early learning educator or teacher. Experience in a YMCA center is preferred, but comparable experience in other organizations will be considered.
• Meets minimum qualifications for childcare educator as outlined in the Tennessee Department of Health standards for childcare.
• Knowledge of child care licensing requirements for Tennessee Department of Health for childcare and YMCA standards.
• State approved first-aid certification.*
• Current state approved infant/child (or community if school aged) CPR certification.*
• TB test or signed statement from a medical provider showing negative results for tuberculosis **
• Medical Physical Exam- Required by DHS**
• Completion of minimum STARS required training.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Must meet all other required qualifications set by DHS- Child care Licensing.

Certifications Required

Before a new hire is scheduled to work, they must complete 12 hours of training.

• At hire, or earliest possible training (but no later than 90 days after employment.)
• Prior to beginning child care duties.

Work Schedule

The full time work schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm, though evenings, and weekends work may be required at certain times of the year. Flexible work schedule required. Work schedules may vary per the needs of the specific ELC site.

Work Environment And Physical Demands

• Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping.
• Some Exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms.
• Exposure to some chemical elements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid‑South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid‑South.

Salary Description

$14.00-$16.00