Lead Teacher

Merrimack Valley YMCA; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to community well-being as a Lead Teacher. In this role, you will provide safe and motivational leadership in a nurturing environment, ensuring the highest standards of early childhood education. You will lead a classroom team, develop engaging curricula, and prioritize the safety and emotional well-being of children and staff. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of families and children, all while promoting the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. If you're passionate about early childhood education and community service, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in licensed Child Care Center.
• Massachusetts Early Education and Care Lead Teacher Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom team and implement appropriate curriculum.
• Manage program responsibilities, ensuring safety and quality.

Skills

Child Development Knowledge

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Customer Service Skills

Safety Awareness

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Job Details

Level: Experienced

Job Location: Lawrence Branch - Lawrence, MA

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Job Shift: Day

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

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 Lead Teacher will represent the YMCA personally and professionally, aligning with the mission and goals of the YMCA. Under the supervision of the Child Care Director, the Preschool Lead Teacher provides safe, motivational, and knowledgeable leadership to members, volunteers, families, and students. All Merrimack Valley YMCA staff will promote a culture of service excellence and support the YMCA's mission and values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead classroom team to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Manage program responsibilities including supervision of children, lesson planning, daily attendance, assisting with daily tooth brushing, developing quarterly Creative Curriculum online progress reports, and daily written observations of children.
• Ensure and maintain program quality, meeting YMCA National standards, EEC Standards, and NAEYC Criteria, while complying with all safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the Child Care Classroom.
• Serve as a YMCA resource on child development issues.
• Prioritize safety, emphasizing personal safety and emotional wellbeing of staff, volunteers, members, students, families, and program participants.
• Model YMCA Character Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Report all accidents or unusual incidents immediately with proper documentation.
• Perform additional responsibilities for the organization’s benefit and remain flexible.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Over 2 years of experience in a licensed Child Care Center with toddlers, preschool, or kindergarten classrooms.
• Massachusetts Early Education and Care Lead Teacher Certification required.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications throughout employment.
• Full knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in Early Childhood Education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Licensing Regulations.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts Early Childhood Standards and Guidelines, NAEYC Criteria and Standards.
• Strong human relations, communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.