About this role
Position Summary: The Lead Teacher leads classroom instruction and daily care routines for the Westport Weston Family YMCA preschool program. This position helps create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children ages three through five learn through play and develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The Lead Teacher works with the teaching team and program administration to support positive family relationships, consistent child supervision, and high-quality programming that reflects the YMCA’s mission and core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Operations
- Lead daily classroom routines and care for children ages three through five.
- Develop and implement play-based lesson plans aligned with children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment for every child.
- Provide active supervision and accurate child counts during all activities and transitions.
- Prepare, clean, and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and activity spaces.
- Maintain accurate attendance and follow authorized pick-up and sign-in/sign-out procedures.
Leadership & Staff Support
- Guide Assistant Teachers in implementing classroom plans and consistent daily routines.
- Model positive teaching practices and provide constructive feedback to classroom staff.
- Coordinate classroom assignments, transitions, and daily responsibilities.
- Communicate staffing or classroom concerns to the Head Teacher and administration.
Child Development & Behavior Management
- Build trusting relationships with children and support independence, confidence, and social skills.
- Use positive guidance, co-regulation, and developmentally appropriate behavior support.
- Adapt activities and care routines to individual developmental needs, abilities, and approved support plans.
Family & Community Relations
- Communicate respectfully with parents and guardians about children’s daily experiences.
- Refer sensitive concerns to program leadership and maintain confidentiality.
- Support family participation and a positive connection to the YMCA community.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow YMCA policies, applicable Connecticut Office of Early Childhood requirements, and health and safety procedures.
- Monitor classrooms, outdoor spaces, and materials for safety concerns and report hazards promptly.
- Follow emergency procedures and report injuries, incidents, and suspected child abuse or neglect as required.
- Follow approved allergy, medication, toileting, handwashing, meal, and rest-time procedures.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Complete assigned attendance, classroom, developmental observation, and incident documentation.
- Track classroom supplies and communicate replenishment needs within approved procedures.
- Participate in program planning, staff training, and classroom cleaning and reset days.
- Perform related duties as assigned by program leadership
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of childcare experience required.
- Experience supporting preschool-aged children and positive behavior guidance.
- Fluent in English and Spanish preferred.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Ability to support children with diverse developmental needs and backgrounds.
- CPR/First Aid/AED, Authorization to Administer Medication, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications, or ability to obtain as required.
- Successful completion of required background checks, screenings, and staff training.
- Meet applicable state licensing eligibility requirements for assigned duties.