Teacher

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: open to all and creating spaces where people can belong and become. We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change. We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential. We are determined: we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people. This culture is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.

Position Summary

As a Teacher at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children ages 1 through 5 years. Through developmentally appropriate practices, relationship‑based teaching, and play‑based learning, you will support each child's cognitive, social‑emotional, language, and physical development. Working collaboratively with families and fellow teachers, you will foster school readiness, encourage a lifelong love of learning, and ensure a high‑quality early learning experience while upholding the YMCA's mission and core values.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Preparation and Implementation: Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development; create engaging and inclusive learning experiences that incorporate play‑based and hands‑on activities; adapt curriculum to meet individual needs and interests.
• Classroom Management: Establish and maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment; manage routines and transitions to promote independence and self‑regulation; foster a positive classroom culture based on YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Child Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Conduct ongoing assessment through observation, documentation, and informal assessments; maintain accurate records of progress; communicate with parents/guardians about development; collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to identify growth areas and support individualized learning goals.
• Parent and Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with parents/guardians, provide regular communication and involvement opportunities; participate in parent‑teacher conferences, workshops, and events; engage with the broader community to enhance program resources and opportunities.
• Professional Development: Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities; stay informed about best practices, research, and trends in early learning; pursue further education in early learning.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety minimum qualifications for “Lead Teacher.”
• Maintain good character and reputation.
• CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire.
• Complete all pre‑employment requirements, including background checks.
• Possess adequate speaking, hearing, and writing skills for interacting with children.
• Demonstrate punctuality for scheduled shifts.
• Ability to work at various program locations (preferred).
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Working Conditions

This position operates in an educational, childcare, and community‑based environment, regularly interacting with children, families, team members, leaders, and other stakeholders. The role requires frequent walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, pushing, and other physical movement associated with supervising and engaging children. Employees must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds and may be required to stand or sit for prolonged periods. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors and may involve exposure to wet, cold, hot, and/or humid weather conditions, as well as cleaning supplies. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required during peak program seasons. The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Compensation & Benefits

Wage Range: $15.00 – $18.00 hourly (reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good‑faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position).