Lead Teacher - Infants

Lead the Way in Early Childhood Education at the YWCA of Binghamton

Do you believe that confident, secure adults begin as nurtured children? At the YWCA of Binghamton & Broome County, we’re committed to eliminating racism, empowering women and children, and building brighter futures through education that matters.

As a Lead Teacher in our Young Wonders Early Childhood Program, you’ll do more than supervise a classroom—you’ll cultivate a responsive, emotionally safe, and culturally relevant environment where young minds flourish and lifelong relationships take root. Aligned with our Young Wonders mission to empower children through trusted, reflective caregiving, you’ll guide students, support families, and mentor a team of educators in delivering impactful, developmentally appropriate programming.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education, inspired by social justice, and ready to take your leadership to the next level in a purpose-driven organization, we invite you to apply and grow with us.

Together, we’ll raise the next generation of changemakers—one confident child at a time.
 

Position Title: Young Wonders Lead Teacher 

YWCA Mission:  Committed to the elimination of racism and empowerment of women and children. 

Young Wonders Mission: Empowering young minds to cultivate relationships in a consistently responsive and emotionally safe environment. 

Young Wonders Vision: Confident and secure future adults are constructed by trusted educarers who take a culturally relevant and reflective approach. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Offer a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of both the individual and the group. 

2. Interact with the children and encourage their involvement in activities. 

3. Prepare a warm and safe environment that is orderly, clean and appealing, and encourages the child to grow and to explore. 

4. Use daily, weekly and monthly lesson plans using the Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies to develop and carry out a balanced and developmentally appropriate curriculum. 

5. Work cooperatively with other teachers and center staff members. 

6. Supervise, train, and evaluate staff on an ongoing basis and in line with Developmentally Appropriate Practice, OCFS regulations and center policies and procedures. 

6. Encourage parent and family involvement by establishing and maintaining good communication both informally (through conversations/messages) and formally (Through Conferences, shared resources, inclusive center events, etc.) 

7. Observe, record, and report significant individual and group behavior. 

8. Complete quarterly assessments on all children and use assessment data to plan individual and group classroom goals. 

8. Use appropriate and positive discipline techniques. 

9. Maintain necessary records and files. 

10. Keep staff informed of program goals and developments both with children, parents, and administration. 

11. Develop appropriate relationships with children of diverse backgrounds by treating all children with dignity and respect and by considering the child in relationship to his or her cultural and socio-economic background. 

12. Participate in staff meetings, in service training, conferences, etc. as necessary. 

13. Manage toileting needs of children including changing diapers if necessary. 

14. Act as Program Director or Assistant Director’s designee as assigned. 

15. Any other tasks or duties in which the job requires. 

Reporting Relationship: 

1. Reports to the Director or Assistant Director on any matters that need further assistance. 

2. Reports to the Executive Director regarding any matters that need further assistance. 

Requirements: 

1. Minimum associate's degree in ECE or related field, or Child Development Associate Credential in Preschool. 

2. 1-2 years of experience working with children less than 13 years of age, preferably some experience working with infants. 

3. Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children and parents/guardians. 

4. Ability to pick up a child weighing up to 40 pounds. 

5. Evidence of emotional maturity and stability. 

6. Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations and to use supervision constructively. 

7. Physical stamina 

8. Ability to maintain and keep appropriate records and files. 

9. Ability to supervise, train and evaluate Assistant Teachers, Aides and other support personnel 

10. Possess or be willing to obtain American Red Cross certification in Standard First Aid and Personal Safety and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. 

Classification: Full-Time
Hours: 35-40 per week
Pay range: $20.00 - $26.38 per hour (depending on qualifications and experience)
Benefits: Eligible for medical and dental insurance, a generous PTO program, and a retirement plan after 2 years of service with employer contribution and no employee contribution required.

The YWCA of Binghamton / Broome County is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.