UPK Lead Teacher Pre-K Leave Replacement

We are currently seeking a dedicated and motivated Lead Teacher to join our team. The Pre-K Lead Teacher  provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. The teacher provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth within families.

**Please note, this position starts in September 2025 for the 2025/2026 school year**

Essential Functions:

• Implement and design curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
• Manage and fully supervise children, classroom, teacher assistants and all activities.
• Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child in classroom.
• Conduct parent conferences, and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers.
• Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
• Mentor Associate Teachers/Teacher Assistants to enhance continued professional growth.
• Maintain all records including attendance, incident reports, daily logs, parent sign in and out book, medical records, and time sheets, in compliance with HR procedures, state and other agency regulations as appropriate.
• Maintain classroom equipment, ensure healthy and safe classroom environment.
• Participate in Parents Advisory Committee events, and YMCA special events including Healthy Kids day, open houses and annual campaign events.
• Support and lead staff and parents in annual campaign efforts.
• Model and enforce appropriate positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
• Participate in required trainings and workshops to continue to enhance professional growth.
• Attend and participate in Family Nights, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
• Works with Childcare Director to determine and establish key goals annually.
• Support branch and Association-wide goals, initiatives and activities.
• Actively participates in Summer Camp programs.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association
• Performs such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• NJ P-3 or N-8 Teacher Certification
• Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a group setting, preferably with preschool age group.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of youth development principles.
• Knowledge of birth to age five (5) in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
• Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management and effective parental communication.
• Knowledge of agency regulations, requirements, i.e. NJ Grow
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels including staff and parents.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
• Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
• Maintain certifications as required. Must complete CARI Background Check, CHRI/Fingerprinting and provide proof of a Mantoux test within two weeks of hire.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid holidays, a legal plan, long-term disability, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities. Full-time employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Salary Description

$64,000-$68,000 annually