Lead Preschool Instructor

Ymca Of Coastal Carolina; Myrtle Beach (SC); On-site; USD 16,531,000 - 24,797,000; Part time

Job summary

Ymca Of Coastal Carolina is seeking a Lead Preschool Instructor for a part-time, morning schedule in Myrtle Beach, SC. The role focuses on leadership of the preschool classroom, curriculum planning, and mentoring staff while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for preschool-aged children.

The position requires two years of preschool experience, a high school diploma (or GED), and current CPR/First Aid/AED certifications or the ability to obtain them.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• HD or equivalent; degree preferred in related field.
• Two years of preschool experience; leadership experience preferred.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certifications or ability to obtain within required timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Model YMCA mission and core values.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Provide daily leadership and direction for classroom staff.
• Create a safe, inclusive, nurturing classroom environment.
• Maintain staff-to-child ratios and supervise children.
• Communicate progress and concerns with families as appropriate.
• Complete required program documentation (attendance, incidents).
• Participate in staff meetings and family engagement events.

Skills

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Communication

Classroom management

Relationship building

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Assc/Bachelor in ECE or related

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Myrtle Beach - MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29577

Position Type: Part Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Center Executive Director, the Lead Preschool Instructor is responsible for providing leadership and daily oversight of the preschool classroom while creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment. This position plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum, supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of preschool-aged children, mentors classroom staff, and builds positive relationships with families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Model the YMCA's mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that support the growth and development of preschool-aged children.
• Provide daily leadership and direction for classroom staff, assisting with training, coaching, and maintaining a collaborative team environment.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, nurturing, and engaging classroom that promotes positive behavior and active learning.
• Supervise children at all times while maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios and ensuring participant safety.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers through effective communication and exceptional customer service.
• Monitor children's development and communicate progress, achievements, and concerns with families as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom, including materials, equipment, and learning spaces.
• Complete required program documentation, including attendance records, incident reports, and other required classroom records.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, family engagement events, and YMCA activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work Monday - Friday 7:30am - 12:30pm

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY

Employees and volunteers who directly supervise children are expected to:

• Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with youth.
• Attend all required Abuse Risk Management and Child Protection trainings.
• Follow established procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities.
• Immediately report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Comply with all mandated reporting requirements and child protection protocols.
• Follow all YMCA and Praesidium standards related to child abuse prevention and youth protection.
• Every employee shares responsibility for protecting the children and families entrusted to our care.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, education, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with preschool-aged children; previous classroom leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool-aged children.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and support classroom staff while fostering a positive team environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications, or the ability to obtain required certifications within YMCA-established timeframes.
• Must successfully complete all required background screenings and comply with YMCA Child Protection Policies and all organizational policies and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed primarily in an active indoor preschool classroom with occasional outdoor activities.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, reach, and actively participate in classroom activities and outdoor play.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move children, classroom materials, and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Maintain continuous visual and auditory supervision of children and respond quickly to emergencies.
• Frequently exposed to moderate noise levels, art and cleaning materials, outdoor weather conditions, and common childhood illnesses.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.
• Reasonable accomodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.