LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Lead Preschool Teacher

The Lead Preschool Teacher serves as the primary daily face to face contact for parents, guardians, and staff and helps sustain a high quality preschool program at the Sampson County YMCA. The Lead Teacher must have the competencies, skills, and proven leadership ability to successfully carry out the YMCA mission, goals, and vision for serving the community. The Lead Teacher will provide direction for the program and classroom, implement program curriculum, and provide a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.

The Preschool program is a half day program that operates from 8:45am to 12:15pm throughout the school year. This position also oversees summer preschool programs. This position will work approximately 25 hours per week. Please visit to learn more about the program.

Essential Functions:

1. Implements curriculum within the established guidelines.
2. Designs and implements daily lesson/activity plans.
3. Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities.
4. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
5. Ensures parents are kept informed of all site and program activities and communicates both positive and negative behavior of children to parents.
6. Maintains program site and equipment.
7. Maintains required program records including attendance sheets, incident sheets, and behavior reports.
8. Attends and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
9. Follows and implements the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity standards.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Our Culture:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

YMCA Part-Time Benefits Overview:

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Flexible Scheduling
• Professional Development
• Retirement Benefits
• Employee Resource Groups

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

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 member 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.

The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Two years or more of college preferred working towards a degree in education or related field.

2. At least 21 years of age and / or training significant for the YMCA program.

3. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.

4. 3 years experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.

5. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.

6. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Physical Demands:

Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.

YMCA Safety Requirements:

CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.

Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.

Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.

Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.

Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.

Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.

Job Title: LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER

FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

Job Type: Part Time Pay Rate: $14.40 - $18.00 / Hour Revision Date: 8/6/26

Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.