Job Title:  Early Childcare Lead Teacher Status: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Department:  Childcare Reports to:  Director of Childcare Services

Revision Date:  October 25, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Childcare Services, the Lead Teacher will be responsible for the planning, development and implementation of all classroom curriculums. The Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring children’s social, physical, spiritual and mental development in the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Planning, supervising and coordinating the program curriculum in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA.

2. Being responsible for the safety of the children in the program at all times.

3. Supervising all teacher assistants, teacher aides and volunteers in their classroom.

4. Effectively developing and carrying out weekly lesson plans that fit children’s needs and interests.

5. Documenting attendance, absenteeism and incidents for each child in compliance with state licensing requirements.

6. Effectively communicating verbally and in writing with parents throughout the year and during parent-teacher conferences.

7. Attending staff meetings and in-service training programs to meet educational and state requirements.

8. Being responsible for the appearance of the classroom and maintaining the quality of supplies, equipment and materials in the classroom.

9. Planning monthly snack menus.

10. All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Individuals must be 21 years of age.

2. Possess a high school diploma and at least one of the following:

3. 1. BA or BS degree in an accepted area of emphasis (i.e. elementary ed. or early childhood education.)

   2. Associates degree in early childhood education

   3. CDA

   4. OR equivalent early childhood education experience.

4. Ability to work well with children - ability to lift 50 pounds.

5. Cooperate with the head teacher and directors.

6. Evidence of sufficient maturity and judgment to handle crisis situations.

7. Documentation of physical examination and TB test.

8. Compliance with requirements mandatory for state license within 14 days of hire.

9. Attend staff development regularly as mandated by the State of Connecticut and the Wallingford Family YMCA.

10. Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification required at all times.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Safety is the responsibility of every employee of the YMCA. Each employee is charged with adhering to the YMCA’s Safety and Risk Management Program as directed by the management.

YMCA SAFETY, RISK AND ABUSE MANAGEMENTS:  

EMPLOYEES WHO DIRECTLY SUPERVISE YOUTH WILL:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.

• Attend required abuse risk management training.

• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.

• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.

• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.