Lead Teacher

Young Wonders Lead Teacher

Young Wonders at YWCA

Our Mission

We are committed to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women and children.

Young Wonders Mission:
Empowering young minds to cultivate relationships in a consistently responsive and emotionally safe environment.

Position Overview

Young Wonders is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and dedicated Lead Teacher to join our team. This role helps create a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment for children, where community is fostered, independence is encouraged, and each child’s individuality is respected.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, brings creativity and patience to their work, and thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and lead a program that supports the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children.

• Engage children in activities and encourage their active participation.

• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.

• Develop weekly lesson plans, activities, and field trips for children.

• Delegate responsibilities and collaborate with aides, assistants, and substitutes to ensure smooth program operations.

• Maintain positive and open communication with parents through informal daily interactions and formal documentation when needed.

• Supervise, support, and help train program support staff.

• Meet and maintain satisfactory scores on the Environment Rating Scale.

• Work with administration to address behavioral challenges and implement guidance plans when necessary.

• Maintain health and safety standards required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

• Maintain program documentation, records, and files.

• Foster respectful relationships with children of diverse backgrounds and ensure every child is treated with dignity and respect.

• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development.

• Assist with children’s toileting needs when necessary.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Serve as the Director’s designee when assigned.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Director or Assistant Director of Young Wonders regarding program operations, staff, children, and parent matters.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Associate’s Degree in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field and one year of experience working with children under age 13
  OR

• School-age child care credential or other OCFS-recognized credential specific to school-age development and one year of experience working with children under age 13
  OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent and two years of direct experience working with children under age 13

Additional qualifications:

• Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children and families

• Emotional maturity and good judgment in handling challenging situations

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain program records

• Ability to supervise aides and support staff

• Physical stamina to work in an active childcare environment

• Current certification (or willingness to obtain) in Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED

Position Details

Job Type: Part-time transitioning to Full-Time
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected Hours: 40 hours per week 
Work Location: In person

Equal Opportunity Statement

YWCA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Consistent with our mission to eliminate racism and empower women and children, we strongly encourage candidates from historically underserved and underrepresented communities to apply.