Lead Preschool Teacher

About the role

The YMCA is seeking a Lead Preschool Teacher to join their new Preschool Program at the Hampton Center. This position supports the mission of the Y, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with YMCA values and New Hampshire Early Learning Standards.
• Lead daily classroom operations and establish a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
• Supervise, engage, and ensure the safety of children through play-based learning experiences.
• Foster positive, respectful relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Support children's social-emotional development and school readiness through intentional teaching strategies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming classroom that meets all licensing and YMCA standards.
• Implement positive behavior guidance techniques consistent with YMCA philosophy and best practices.
• Conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments to monitor children's progress and plan appropriate learning experiences.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for families, communicating professionally regarding children's development, daily experiences, and classroom activities.
• Mentor, guide, and provide day-to-day direction to Associate Teachers, assistants, volunteers, and classroom aides, as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with all New Hampshire child care licensing regulations, YMCA policies, and program procedures.
• Complete and maintain all required licensing documentation, attendance records, child files, incident reports, medication records, emergency documentation, and other classroom records.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Obtain and maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with children and families.
• Complete all required abuse risk management and other mandatory trainings.
• Promote and model the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ace or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred).
• Prior childcare experience.
• Child Development Associate Certification (preferred).
• Current CPR & First Aid certification or ability to obtain through SDYMCAP.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• NH Lead Teacher qualified (minimum).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, and move quickly throughout the classroom and playground.
• Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to remain alert and respond promptly to children's needs and emergency situations.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and exercise sound judgment in stressful, fast-paced, or emergency situations while maintaining a safe environment for children.

Benefits

Paid benefits include Life, 401a Retirement, YMCA Membership, and EAP. Optional benefits are Medical, Dental, Vision, 403B/Roth Savings, PFMLA.

Pay

Details about pay are not specified in this posting.

Schedule

The schedule is Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm.