Lead Preschool Teacher/Coordinator

About the Role

This position supports the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA is seeking a caring and enthusiastic Lead Preschool Teacher to join our new Preschool Program at the Hampton Center. As the educational leader of the preschool program, you will oversee curriculum development, classroom management, family communication, staff supervision, licensing compliance, and overall program quality. This role plays a key role in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports the development of children ages 3–5.

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

• Associate 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 SDYMCA.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• NH Lead Teacher qualified (minimum):
• A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, HiSet, TASC), be at least 18 years old, and meet one of the following:
1. A minimum of 18 credits in related coursework, including at least 3 credits in child or human growth and development, plus 1,000 hours of experience working with children in a licensed child care program or public/private elementary school.
2. A minimum of 12 credits in related coursework plus 3,000 hours of experience working with children in a licensed child care program or public/private elementary school.
3. A non-expired Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in center-based programs awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition.
4. A credential from a teacher preparation program accredited by MACTE.
5. Five years as a licensed family child care provider with no enforcement actions imposed by the department.
6. Successful completion of the New Hampshire Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program.
7. A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised child care experience in a licensed child care program, documentation of successful completion of a 2-year vocational course in career and technical education, plus 9 additional credits in related coursework.
8. Documentation from or on file with the department that the individual was employed as a lead teacher on or before November 6, 2017, with no break in employment as a lead teacher.
9. At least 3 credits in child or human growth and development, plus a minimum of 4,500 hours of documented experience as an associate teacher for the same licensee, with a letter from the center director stating the individual has demonstrated the skills necessary to be a lead teacher.

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.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and staff.

Schedule

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

Benefits

• Organization Paid Benefits: Life insurance, 401a Retirement, YMCA Membership, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Optional Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403B/Roth Savings, Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA).