Decatur Shelby County YMCA

Job Description

Basic Functions and Scope of Responsibility

We are seeking nurturing, creative, and enthusiastic Lead Teachers that are excited to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of all children in the program. You will plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities that foster learning through play, a whole child approach, and structured instruction that will be taught to each child’s individual needs and developmental goals

Role Responsibilities

• Utilize the curriculum and develop and implement weekly lesson plans that meet educational goals and align with the Indiana Early Learning Standards.

• Create a warm and welcoming classroom environment that promotes learning through play and exploration.

• Foster social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through hands-on activities and group interactions.

• Use positive guidance and techniques to support behaviors and classroom management.

• Observe, assess, and document each child’s growth and development using established tools.

• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians through conferences, reports, and daily updates.

• Maintain classroom cleanliness and organization according to health and safety standards and state licensing requirements.

• Collaborate with teaching assistants, staff, and administrators to ensure a consistent and supportive learning environment.

• Participate in professional development and school events as required. This will include family engagement opportunities and monthly staff meetings.

Education, Experience & Training

• Must meet all Indiana State Licensing and Paths to Quality requirements.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.

• CDA required or must be obtained within the first year of employment.

• Current Pediatric CPR/AED/First aid certification or willingness to obtain within 30-days of employment.

• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal history background check.

• Experience working with children in a structured early childhood setting.

• Strong communication, patience, and organizational skills.

• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate educational practices.

Core Competencies

• Caring: Show a sincere concern for others

• Honesty: Be truthful in what you say and do

• Respect: Follow the golden rule

• Responsibility: Be accountable for your promises and actions

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.

• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.

• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. The job description is not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in the job classification. This document is not a contract and does not, in any way, alter the at-will employment relationship.

DSYMCA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity of expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.