Lead Teacher - Infant

YMCA of Greater Erie; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 15,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

8% 401(k) match after two years

Paid holidays and PTO

Free YMCA membership for employee and

Discounted childcare and program fees

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Erie is hiring Lead Teachers for our childcare program. This role focuses on creating engaging curricula, guiding an Assistant Teacher, and modeling professional behavior in a compliant environment.

You will plan lessons, supervise classrooms, and communicate with families while supporting the Child Care Program Director. This position emphasizes growth, safety, and a positive learning atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Age at least 18 years old.
• Pass Pennsylvania background checks and TB test.
• ECE credits and hours requirements per degree option.
• Minimum 6 hours of training annually.
• Physical exam and regulatory compliance as required.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum development: plan and execute daily lessons and activities.
• Classroom management: maintain a clean, organized space and accurate records.
• Regulatory compliance: follow federal/state/local regulations and YMCA standards.
• Parent communication: liaise with families about enrollment and updates.
• Participation: attend family events and program activities with enthusiasm.

Skills

Patience

Curriculum planning

Education

Associate degree + 30 ECE credits & 2500 hours

Unrelated Associate/Bachelor's + 30 ECE credits & 3750 hours

Bachelor's degree + 30 ECE credits & 1250 hours

Master's degree + 30 ECE credits

Job description

The YMCA of Greater Erie is hiring Lead Teachers for our childcare program. If you're creative, energetic, and passionate about working with children, and if you want weekends free, this role is for you!

Pay: Up to $18.91 per hour

Rate of pay is based on experience and educational credentials.

LOCATIONS CURRENTLY HIRING

Downtown YMCA 31 W 10th St., Erie, PA

Early Learning Center (Poplar) 3507 Poplar St., Erie, PA

Glenwood Childcare 3727 Cherry St., Erie, PA

Eastside Childcare 2101 Nagle Rd., Harborcreek, PA

Waterford YMCA 112 West Third St., Waterford, PA

Wattsburg Elem. 10780 Wattsburg Rd., Wattsburg, PA

Summit United Methodist Church 1510 Townhall Rd., Summit, PA

Early Learning University 301 Darrow Rd., Edinboro, PA

McKean Elementary 5120 W Rd., McKean, PA

County YMCA 12285 YMCA Dr., Edinboro, PA

Northwestern Elem. 10450 John Williams Ave., Albion, PA

Fairview Elementary 5145 Avonia Rd., Fairview, PA

Elk Valley Elem. 2556 Maple Ave., Lake City, PA

Camp Sherwin 8600 West Lake Rd., Lake City, PA

For certain positions, benefits Include:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Funded retirement plan where company matches 8% of eligible employee's salary after two years of qualifying employment!
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Free YMCA membership for employee and family
• Discounted childcare and program fees
• Flexible work schedule

Schedule: 25-37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Lead Teacher Job Description

Role Overview: As a Lead Teacher at our childcare center, you'll support the Child Care Program Director in creating a positive, enriching environment for children. Your role involves supervising, guiding, and serving as a role model. You'll plan and implement engaging curriculum with the help of an Assistant Teacher, ensuring compliance with regulations and YMCA standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development: Plan and execute daily lesson plans and activities based on child development principles.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a clean, organized classroom and keep accurate records.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Parent Communication: Act as a liaison with parents, assisting with enrollment and ongoing communication.
• Participation: Attend family events and program activities with enthusiasm.

Qualifications:

• Age: At least 18 years old.
• Education:
  • Associate Degree in a related field with 30 ECE credits and 2500 hours of experience; or
  • Any unrelated Associate/Bachelor's Degree with 30 ECE credits and 3750 hours of experience; or
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field with 30 ECE credits and 1250 hours of experience; or
  • Master's Degree in a related field with 30 ECE credits.
• Clearances: Pass Pennsylvania state mandated Title 33, Title 34 and FBI background checks, physical exam, and have a negative TB test.
• Training: Complete a minimum of 6 hours of training annually.
• Personal Qualities: Passion for working with children, patience, and a love for interactive activities like reading and singing.

Drug testing will continue when required or appropriate based on the position, applicable law or regulation, or other circumstances outlined in YMCA policy. This includes employees in certain regulated positions, such as DOT-covered CDL drivers.

ABOUT YMCA OF GREATER ERIE

We are a nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development to strengthen our community. With over 21 million members in 2,600 Y associations nationwide, we make a local impact through four membership branches, an outdoor recreation center, nine education program centers, and various community outreach programs, serving over 35,000 people.

We value our employees, offering a supportive work environment with a strong work-life balance and competitive wages and benefits. At the YMCA, we believe in inclusivity and provide opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

READY TO JOIN OUR CHILDCARE TEAM?

We look forward to meeting you!