Lead Teacher

Job DetailsJob Location: YMCA of Metropolitan Denver - Denver, CO 80221Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $19.79 - $22.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayHelp little learners grow, explore, and belong. Do you believe the best learning happens through play, curiosity, and connection? Do you enjoy turning everyday moments into learning adventures? If so, we’d love to meet you. At the YMCA, our early childhood educators do more than teach—they spark confidence, nurture kindness, and help children discover the joy of learning. As a Lead Teacher, you’ll guide a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them. What You’ll Do Create a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels valued and included Plan fun, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity, exploration, and growth Lead and mentor assistant teachers to create a strong, supportive classroom team Build meaningful relationships with families through communication and partnership Support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development Maintain a safe, organized, and nurturing learning environment What Makes You a Great Fit You believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated You bring energy, creativity, and patience to the classroom You enjoy collaborating with other educators and supporting their growth You understand that play is powerful learning   Why You'll Love Working Here Make a real difference in children’s lives every day Work with a team that lives the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility Opportunities for professional development and growth A supportive community focused on youth development     POSITION SUMMARY  The Lead Teacher working as part of the Y Academy Early Childhood Team, will deliver professional customer service and relationship building skills to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.  The Lead Teacher will work in a co-teaching environment and will be responsible for implementing educational curriculum in our play-based learning environment.     OUR PATH For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all.  Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together.  Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.     ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  Create an environment of play-based learning is foundational, focused on the whole child    Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children   Nurture physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and development of each child    Plan, implement curriculum according to appropriate practices and Reggo-Emilio approach   Plan to participate in family friendly parent teacher conferences and engagement programs    Maintain a cheerful, nurturing healthy, safe and clean classroom environment   Classroom is inviting and materials are readily available to children    Share individual child’s accomplishments, send photos/videos timely intervals to parents thru approved communication channels   Assess child’s developmental milestones through the Teaching Strategies Gold     Collaboratively lead a team to support children’s growth and success in the classroom   Assist in planning, preparing professional development for early childhood professionals   Create a shared vision, center wide, for a team-teaching environment    Have a deep understanding and connection with YMCA programs and offerings    WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS  Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger to handle or feel objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear   Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and focus    Physical demands are required in order to teach, care for, and provide for overall safety of children for which this position is responsible     YMCA CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements. Qualifications & BenefitsQUALIFICAITONS Minimum 18 years of age    Have 3,185 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual   Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 1 or higher in version 3.0 of the Colorado Shines PDIS credentialing system   Six semester credits in the field of Early Childhood Education with one course being Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Early Childhood Guidance Strategies or Pyramid Plus Model Training Strong communication and teamwork skills Passion for helping young children thrive     FULL-TIME BENEFITS Health and Vision Care Dental Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met Paid Time off Paid Sick Leave Paid Holidays Free Membership Program Discounts Employee Assistance Program