Lead Preschool Teacher (Full Time Position)

YMCA of East Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 22,041 - 26,863; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of East Tennessee is seeking an Early Learning Lead Teacher starting August 2026 in Knoxville, TN. This role involves developing and implementing quality programming for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, supervising staff, and ensuring child safety while supporting the mission of the YMCA.

Candidates should be organized with excellent supervisory skills and have a passion for child development. A competitive salary ranging from $16.00 to $19.50 per hour is offered, along with opportunities for continued training and development.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with DHS-licensed child care preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate with children and staff.

Responsibilities

• Develops programming for infant/toddler and preschool classrooms.
• Supervises staff and ensures program compliance.
• Plans and promotes family engagement activities.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Organizational skills

Relationship-building skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or higher

Tools

DHS training courses

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Description

Starting August 2026
Ask about the W.A.G.E.S. Program: https://www.tnwages.org/
Ages 6 weeks – 5 years old

Shifts

8:00 am – 5:00 pm (schedule dependent on drop‑off/pick‑up times), with a 1‑hour break.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Early Learning Director, the Early Learning Lead Teacher develops, plans, and implements quality programming for infant/toddler and preschool classrooms. Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring a developmentally appropriate program, maintaining child safety, and supporting the YMCA of East Tennessee mission and Department of Human Services policies.

Core Functions

• Implements strategies to support enrollment and retention of members, creating a member‑focused culture and modeling relationship‑building skills.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of center philosophy, policies, TNLC licensing, TNELDS, ITERS/ECERS criteria, and communicates them effectively to co‑workers, parents, and community.
• Supervises teacher assistants and handles daily record‑keeping (e.g., CACFP, attendance, child reports).
• Assists in staff training and development; maintains individual training plans meeting DHS 3‑Star standards.
• Collaborates with the Early Learning Director to develop programming, plan lessons, schedule activities, and oversee daily operations.
• Plans and promotes monthly family engagement activities supporting whole‑child development.
• Promotes the program throughout the year.
• Attends required staff meetings and conducts on‑site staff meetings regularly.
• Follows all Y policies, rules, regulations, and emergency procedures; completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly or indirectly manages teacher assistants, substitute staff, and volunteers. Duties include assigning work, evaluating performance, training, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and coordinating evaluations. Monitors daily operations to ensure compliance with Y health and safety standards and policies.

Requirements

• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Education And/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• 1–3 years of supervisory experience and strong supervisory skills.
• Good organizational and task‑oriented skills.
• Experience working with the general public and professionals in the school system.
• Experience with DHS‑licensed child care/early child care agency highly preferred.
• Y Team Leader certification preferred; knowledge of and experience with diverse populations valued.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems, interpret a variety of instructions, and adapt to variable situations.

Work Environment

Employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather. Noise level is usually moderate.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic arithmetic and operations with numbers and units.

Physical Demands

Requires occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands and fingers. Requires normal vision and the ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in outdoor and indoor settings.

Language Skills

Ability to read, interpret, and write routine reports and correspondence; effectively communicate with children and staff.

Certificates, Licenses, Courses

• DHS Training Courses (required before starting).
• CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of hire.
• New Employee Orientation required prior to starting.
• Additional training, licenses, and courses may be required during employment.

Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, And Belonging

The YMCA of East Tennessee is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome all ages, colors, disabilities, ethnicities, family or marital status, gender identities or expressions, languages, national origins, physical and mental abilities, political affiliations, races, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Salary Description

$16.00 – $19.50 per hour

The YMCA of East Tennessee is an equal‑opportunity employment employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.