PRESCHOOL LEAD TEACHER

YMCA of Columbia; Columbia (SC); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated preschool lead teacher to support young children's development. This role involves planning and supervising educational programs, managing classroom activities, and fostering positive relationships with parents and staff. The ideal candidate will have a passion for early childhood education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to create a nurturing environment. Join a team committed to community strengthening through youth development and healthy living. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field preferred.
• Two years of related work experience, preschool experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Manage classroom behavior and ensure a safe learning environment.
• Communicate regularly with parents about children's progress.

Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Qualities

Project Management

Time Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Patience

Creativity

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s in Education or related field

Working towards a related degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft Outlook

Google Drive

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Jeep Rogers Family YMCA - Columbia, SC

Salary Range: $11.00 - $13.00 Hourly

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. Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, the preschool lead teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a developmentally appropriate educational program for young children. Working closely with assistant teachers, parents, and administrators, the lead teacher creates a supportive and enriching learning environment that promotes each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that align with the preschool curriculum and educational standards.
2. Establish and maintain a structured daily schedule that balances structured learning activities, free play, and rest time.
3. Manage classroom behavior effectively, promoting positive discipline techniques and fostering a respectful and inclusive classroom community.
4. Ensure the safety and well-being of all children by closely supervising activities and maintaining a clean and organized classroom environment.
5. Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers regarding their child's progress, behavior, and developmental milestones.
6. Comply with Association and branch specific policies and procedures.
7. Assist with recruitment, hiring and development of program staff; provides leadership to teachers.
8. Provide on-site training to new teachers and facilitate staff meetings.
9. Ensure adequate coverage at all program locations; fills in as necessary to meet ratio requirements.
10. Record, distribute and maintain preschool program paperwork and materials such as registration details, incident reports, communication reports, billing invoices, snack, etc.
11. Distribute and maintain preschool program communication with families including tours and registrations, newsletters, etc.
12. Model relationship-building skills in all interactions; develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, program participants, administration, support staff and community organizations to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes; maintain regular, clear, and concise communication within an area of responsibility.
13. Organize or participate in YMCA activities, including but not limited to staff meetings, special events, and fundraising campaigns.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits staff and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better youth experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s in Education, Child Development, Social Work, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, Human Services or a related field is preferred; working toward such a degree, or related experience.
2. An understanding of positive behavioral approaches and positive early childhood development.
3. Patience, creativity, flexibility, and a genuine passion for working with young children.
4. Two years of related work experience. Preschool experience is preferred.
5. Excellent communication, demonstrated leadership qualities, project management, time management, interpersonal, and organizational skills and detail oriented.
6. Computer skills: Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook, Google drive.
7. Demonstrated leadership qualities, project management, time management, organizational skills and detail oriented.
8. Certifications required within 60 days of hire: CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen.
9. Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Sexual Harassment training must be completed before start of 1st shift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to frequently engage in activities that require standing, sitting, walking, running, throwing, catching, bending, stooping, and kneeling to interact with children at their level. May also need to lift and carry young children, especially in situations where assistance is needed with various activities such as helping them onto chairs, comforting them, or guiding them during activities.

2. May also need to move large gym or office equipment and carry approximately 35 lbs and use hands and fingers. Special vision abilities required distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be required to be outside for long periods of time. Must possess good analytical, auditory, and verbal capabilities in order to communicate adequately.