Pre K (PKC) Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Department  Childcare

Reports to Center Director

FLSA Non-Exempt

Date August 2025

Summary

Responsible for delivering and maintaining high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education in alignment with YWCA York policies, Keystone STARS standards, NAEYC Accreditation criteria, ERS Assessment guidelines, and DHS regulations. Oversees program quality at designated locations, supports staff, and ensures a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all children. Additional duties may be assigned as standards evolve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program & Curriculum Support

• Support, mentor, and provide resources for PKC staff.
• Serve as liaison between the PKC Director, Assistant to the PKC Director, and classroom staff.
• Implement developmentally appropriate activities promoting language, social, motor, and self-help skills, incorporating family cultures and children’s assessed needs.
• Ensure constant visual and auditory supervision of children, with frequent counts and safety checks.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Child Development & Assessment

• Engage children in respectful, meaningful conversations and activities.
• Assess and document children’s development and interactions through observations and records.
• Adapt programming to meet individual needs, considering cultural, socio-economic, and developmental differences.
• Promote independence, self-esteem, and cooperative behavior. 

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Perform daily health checks and report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to ChildLine (Mandated Reporter requirement).
• Follow all YWCA York, Guidance Manual, and Family Handbook procedures.
• Adhere to CACFP guidelines for meals/snacks and complete required documentation.
• Conduct monthly DHS regulation checklists.
• Maintain pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, and complete required annual trainings (minimum 24 hours). 

Family & Community Engagement

• Develop professional, respectful relationships with families; communicate regularly and confidentially.
• Participate in family engagement and community events.
• Advocate for children and promote anti-bias education.
• Professional Conduct
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children’s and families’ personal information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Adhere to YWCA York’s ethical code of conduct and safety procedures.

Other Duties

• Perform general housekeeping and report maintenance/safety concerns.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and early learning strategies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to adapt to diverse needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and pull 25–50 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, or Human Services and 5 years of Pre-K experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any field with 30 ECE-related credits and 1 year of experience with children plus 5 years of Pre-K experience.
• YWCA York supports lifelong learning and may provide educational assistance for CDA programs, professional workshops, and post-secondary tuition reimbursement, as funding allows.