Preschool Lead Teacher - Full Time w/ Benefits

About the role

Somerset Hills YMCA's Early Education Center provides a well‑rounded experience for children age 6 weeks to 5 years. Center staff work together to deliver educational programming that ensures elementary school readiness through multiple exploratory activities each day, creating an engaging, fun, and rewarding environment. The YMCA is seeking a Lead Teacher for its Preschool classroom to execute a structured, engaging, and positive school‑day curriculum. Applicants should share the commitment to nurture and support children, promote youth development, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Director of Child Care.
• Responsible for daily classroom routines and a curriculum that prepares students to rise into Kindergarten.
• Ensures elementary school readiness by teaching necessary skills.
• Learns and executes all health and safety standards mandated by the NJ Department of Children and Families.

Qualifications

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Teaching Certificate, or a combination of experience and formal education.
• Relevant child‑care experience, ideally with infants, toddlers, or preschool‑aged children.
• Positive and clear communication skills, especially when speaking with parents.
• Classroom management skills.
• Ability to plan and implement curriculum and manage the flow of the day.
• Independent and self‑sustaining; able to run the classroom as you see fit.

Schedule

Center hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm. Position scheduled: 7:15 am – 3:15 pm with a 0.5‑hour lunch break.

Benefits

• FREE family membership to Greater Somerset County YMCA (full access to all branches: Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Princeton, Somerset Hills, Somerville).
• FREE nationwide membership with access to over 2,500 YMCA locations.
• Discounted program fees – 50% off child care, camp, and SACC tuition for dependents.
• Paid sick leave and short‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous 12% retirement contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund after eligibility (no employee contribution required).
• Medical and dental insurance with prescription coverage.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account for medical and/or dependent care.
• 100% employer‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability.
• Optional additional life and dependent life insurance at low rates.
• 403(b) Smart Savings Retirement Plan.
• Generous paid time off policy.
• Seven (7) paid holidays.