PreK Counts Lead Teacher

Position Summary

The Pre-K Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education program that supports the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of children ages 3–5 in alignment with YWCA York policies, Keystone STARS standards, NAEYC Accreditation criteria, ERS Assessment guidelines, and DHS regulations. This role provides classroom leadership, ensures a safe and nurturing learning environment, supervises assistant teachers, maintains compliance with licensing and program standards, and partners with families to support each child’s development and school readiness.  All YWCA York employees are expected to commit themselves to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and mission-aligned workplace culture, in support of the YWCA’s values of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program & Curriculum Support

• Support, mentor, and provide resources for Pre-K program staff.
• Serve as liaison between the Pre-K Director and classroom staff.
• Implement developmentally appropriate activities promoting language, social, motor, and self-help skills, incorporating family cultures and children’s assessed needs.
• Ensure constant visual and auditory supervision of children, with frequent counts and safety checks.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

 Child Development & Assessment

• Engage children in respectful, meaningful conversations and activities.
• Assess and document children’s development and interactions through observations and records.
• Adapt programming to meet individual needs, considering cultural, socio-economic, and developmental differences.
• Promote independence, self-esteem, and cooperative behavior.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Perform daily health checks and report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to ChildLine (Mandated Reporter requirement).
• Follow all YWCA York, Guidance Manual, and Family Handbook procedures.
• Adhere to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines for meals/snacks and complete required documentation.
• Conduct monthly DHS regulation checklists.
• Maintain pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, and complete required annual trainings (minimum 24 hours).

 Family & Community Engagement

• Develop professional, respectful relationships with families; communicate regularly and confidentially.
• Participate in family engagement and community events.
• Advocate for children and promote anti-bias education.
• Professional Conduct
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children’s and families’ personal information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Adhere to YWCA York’s ethical code of conduct and safety procedures.

 Other Duties

• Perform general housekeeping and report maintenance/safety concerns.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

 Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, or Human Services, and 5 years of Pre-K experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any field with 30 ECE-related credits and 1 year of experience with children, plus 5 years of Pre-K experience.
• Teaching Certificate: Instructional 1 or 2 in ECE or Pre-Kindergarten

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and early learning strategies
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, cultural competency, and ability to adapt to diverse needs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

 YWCA York Requirements

• Must support the YWCA mission to eliminate racism and empower women
• Clearances required: PA Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprinting (or waiver affidavit)

 Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This position operates in a professional environment
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
• Occasionally may need to lift supplies up to 25-50 pounds

 Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan options
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and family-friendly workplace practices
• Professional development, training opportunities, and post-secondary tuition reimbursement, as funding allows.
• Sign-on bonus payable after 90 days of employment•
• 100% tuition reimbursement (subject to policy guidelines)
• Eligibility for retention bonuses (subject to policy guidelines)