Lead Teacher

Ymca; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Vision Care

Dental

Retirement Contribution Options

Paid Time off

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Free Membership

Program Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

YMCA of Metro Denver is seeking a Lead Teacher for the Y Academy Early Childhood Team, serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in a co-teaching setting. You will deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum in a play-based environment and partner with families to support each child’s growth.

You will plan activities, mentor assistants, and ensure a safe, inclusive classroom. A Colorado Shines credential and ECE coursework underpin your practice, with ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• 3,185 hours of verified experience caring for four or more children under eight who are not related.
• Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 1 (Colorado Shines) in version 3.0.
• Six semester credits in Early Childhood Education with one course being Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Early Childhood Guidance Strategies or Pyramid Plus Model.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels valued and included.
• Plan developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity, exploration and growth.
• Lead and mentor assistant teachers to form a strong classroom team.
• Build meaningful relationships with families through communication and partnership.
• Support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and nurturing learning environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patience

Engagement with families

Education

Colorado Shines Credential Level 1

Six semester credits in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Help little learners grow, explore, and belong.Do you believe the best learning happens through play, curiosity, and connection? Do you enjoy turning everyday moments into learning adventures? If so, we’d love to meet you.At the YMCA, our early childhood educators do more than teach—they spark confidence, nurture kindness, and help children discover the joy of learning. As a Lead Teacher, you’ll guide a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.What You’ll DoCreate a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels valued and includedPlan fun, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity, exploration, and growthLead and mentor assistant teachers to create a strong, supportive classroom teamBuild meaningful relationships with families through communication and partnershipSupport children’s social, emotional, and cognitive developmentMaintain a safe, organized, and nurturing learning environmentWhat Makes You a Great FitYou believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebratedYou bring energy, creativity, and patience to the classroomYou enjoy collaborating with other educators and supporting their growthYou understand that play is powerful learningWhy You'll Love Working HereMake a real difference in children’s lives every dayWork with a team that lives the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibilityOpportunities for professional development and growthA supportive community focused on youth developmentPOSITION SUMMARYThe Lead Teacher working as part of the Y Academy Early Childhood Team, will deliver professional customer service and relationship building skills to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Lead Teacher will work in a co-teaching environment and will be responsible for implementing educational curriculum in our play-based learning environment.OUR PATHFor 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all. Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together. Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCreate an environment of play-based learning is foundational, focused on the whole childEnsure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all childrenNurture physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and development of each childPlan, implement curriculum according to appropriate practices and Reggo-Emilio approachPlan to participate in family friendly parent teacher conferences and engagement programsMaintain a cheerful, nurturing healthy, safe and clean classroom environmentClassroom is inviting and materials are readily available to childrenShare individual child’s accomplishments, send photos/videos timely intervals to parents thru approved communication channelsAssess child’s developmental milestones through the Teaching Strategies GoldCollaboratively lead a team to support children’s growth and success in the classroomAssist in planning, preparing professional development for early childhood professionalsCreate a shared vision, center wide, for a team-teaching environmentHave a deep understanding and connection with YMCA programs and offeringsWORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDSFrequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger to handle or feel objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hearRegularly lift and/or move up to 50 poundsSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and focusPhysical demands are required in order to teach, care for, and provide for overall safety of children for which this position is responsibleYMCA CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENTThe YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.QUALIFICAITONSMinimum 18 years of ageHave 3,185 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individualCurrent Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 1 or higher in version 3.0 of the Colorado Shines PDIS credentialing systemSix semester credits in the field of Early Childhood Education with one course being Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Early Childhood Guidance Strategies or Pyramid Plus Model TrainingStrong communication and teamwork skillsPassion for helping young children thriveFULL-TIME BENEFITSHealth and Vision CareDentalGenerous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is metPaid Time offPaid Sick LeavePaid HolidaysFree MembershipProgram DiscountsEmployee Assistance ProgramPART-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:Free individual membershipProgram discountsGenerous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is metEmployee Assistance ProgramAccrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours workedPaid Time off for those scheduled and working 20+ per week