Preschool Lead Teacher

Position Summary:
The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for the day-to-day management of the classroom including the organization, supervision, and safety of the children in their group. Individuals in this position are responsible for planning, supervising and implementing programs in accordance with policies, procedures, and philosophy and core values of the YMCA.

Essential Functions / Job Duties:
• Plans and prepares for a learning environment, setting up interest centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Demonstrates, model and gear program to the needs of individual children with concerns for their interests, disabilities, special talents, and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ensures that the arrangement, appearance, decor, and environment of the classroom are conducive to learning.
• Maintains excellent communication with parents regarding activities, progress, achievements, classroom behavior, and / or concerns.
• Practices and models appropriate discipline procedures in accordance with center policies.
• Complies with all licensing and grants requirement and regulations.
• Supervises classroom and children within program.
• Attends functions such as staff meetings and program events.
• Participates in ongoing professional developmental training programs.
• All other duties as assigned by Preschool Director or District Executive Director.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (i.e. Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team / Branch Leader):
Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels.
Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. 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.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities / Position Requirements:
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children in a preschool environment.
• Must maintain current trainings and certifications as required by the YMCA, licensing agencies, funders and accreditation requirements.
• Bilingual, English and Spanish, a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
• State approved CPR/AED certification (must obtain within 30 days of hire)

Applicants must be able to provide a current copy of the following:
• Dept. of Children and Families training transcript
• 10 hours in service training certificate
• Staff credential verification letter.

Position Profile
• Individual with innate compassion and desire to teach children.
• Strong communication skills.
• High level of patience.
• Has the creativity and flexibility to make every day a positive experience for children.
• Organized and motivated.

Work Environment:
Work Environment characteristics 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.
Teachers work in classroom and outdoor environment. This position requires the ability to lift children ranging in weight, up to 50lbs.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
Being in good physical health with full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Occasionally requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff member. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening.

As a Drug-Free Workplace, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.

In accordance with House Bill 531 (2025) the Department of Children and Families require employers to make the “Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness” website link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com available to all potential candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse.