Full-Time Childcare Lead Teacher (Preschool)

Your Classroom. Your Creativity. Their Future.Great early childhood education starts with a teacher who sees possibilities in every child.At Countryside YMCA, we're looking for a Lead Teacher who is ready to take ownership of a classroom, inspire young learners, and create the kind of environment where children are excited to explore, discover, and grow.This is an opportunity for an early childhood educator who enjoys combining creativity with structure, building meaningful relationships with families, and making a lasting difference in children's lives.As a Lead Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to guide your classroom's daily experiences while being part of a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening families and our community.Why Join Countryside YMCA?We believe the people who help children grow deserve opportunities to grow themselves.As a full-time member of our team, you'll have access to:Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy opportunities for health, wellness, and family activities.Paid Time Off – Take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Benefits to support your health and well-being.Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance – Additional protection for life's unexpected moments.Retirement Benefits – Plan for your future while making an impact today.Professional Growth – Build your skills and develop your career in early childhood education.A Mission-Driven Workplace – Join a team that values caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements and plan provisions.What You'll LeadBring Learning to LifeTake the lead in designing and implementing classroom experiences that spark curiosity and support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Use Ohio's applicable Early Learning and Development Standards to guide developmentally appropriate activities, routines, and learning opportunities.Create a Classroom Where Children BelongEstablish a welcoming, organized learning environment where children feel safe, respected, and confident. Guide positive behavior using age-appropriate strategies, encourage independence, and help children develop healthy habits and relationships.Build Strong Family ConnectionsDevelop positive relationships with parents and guardians through ongoing communication about their children's experiences, accomplishments, and developmental progress. Recognize potential developmental concerns and follow appropriate procedures for sharing observations and addressing concerns.Take Ownership of Classroom ExcellenceOversee daily classroom operations, including child supervision, lesson planning, developmental observations, recordkeeping, and maintaining an engaging learning environment. Support classroom readiness and program quality through required Step Up To Quality documentation, assessments, interviews, and professional credentials.Keep Children Safe and SupportedEnsure children's daily needs are met through attentive care, appropriate supervision, and consistent health and safety practices. Maintain accurate records of attendance, activities, meals, and medication administration as applicable. Follow required cleaning and sanitation procedures, Ohio childcare licensing regulations, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements.Collaborate and GrowWork with fellow educators and center leadership to support program goals, share ideas, and maintain high-quality learning experiences. Participate in required training, professional development, and other center responsibilities as needed.We're looking for someone who brings both early childhood knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for helping children succeed.You'll thrive in this role if you:Have experience planning and leading age-appropriate classroom activities.Understand early childhood development, positive behavior guidance, and effective teaching practices.Communicate confidently and respectfully with children, families, and coworkers.Can manage classroom routines while remaining flexible and responsive to children's needs.Are organized, dependable, and comfortable maintaining required documentation.Enjoy working collaboratively while taking responsibility for your classroom.Are committed to meeting applicable Ohio childcare licensing, training, and background-check requirements.Education and Experience: Candidates must meet applicable Ohio childcare Lead Teacher qualifications and Countryside YMCA hiring requirements. Relevant early childhood education, childcare experience, and professional credentials are valued.Physical DemandsThis position involves active participation in classroom activities, including extended periods of standing, frequent bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The classroom environment may involve exposure to common childhood illnesses.Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to support the performance of essential job functions.Our Commitment to Child ProtectionThe safety and well-being of every child is a fundamental responsibility at Countryside YMCA. We maintain rigorous child protection standards that include appropriate screening, staff training, professional conduct expectations, and prompt reporting of suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior.All employees are required to follow YMCA child protection policies and procedures. Abuse, neglect, and conduct that compromises child safety are not tolerated.Lead with Purpose. Teach with Heart.At Countryside YMCA, a Lead Teacher does more than manage a classroom. You help children build confidence, discover their abilities, and develop the foundation for future learning.If you're ready to bring your ideas, experience, and leadership to a team that makes a difference every day, we invite you to apply.Join Countryside YMCA and help shape the next generation of learners.Countryside YMCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area