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Lead Teacher


Job Location:

Denver, CO - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 20 - 23
Posted: 29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Help little learners grow explore and belong.

Do you believe the best learning happens throughplay curiosity and connection Do you enjoy turning everyday moments into learning adventures If so wed love to meet you.

At the YMCA our early childhood educators do more than teachtheyspark confidence nurture kindness and help children discover the joy of learning. As a Lead Teacher youll guide a classroom where children feel safe supported and excited to explore the world around them.

What Youll Do
  • Create awarm engaging classroom where every child feels valued and included
  • Plan fun developmentally appropriate activities that encouragecreativity 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 childrenssocial emotional and cognitive development
  • Maintain a safe organized and nurturing learning environment
What Makes You a Great Fit
  • You believeevery child deserves to feel seen supported and celebrated
  • You bringenergy creativity and patience to the classroom
  • You enjoy collaborating with other educators and supporting their growth
  • You understand thatplay is powerful learning
Why Youll Love Working Here
  • Make a real difference in childrens lives every day
  • Work with a team that lives the values ofcaring 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 ourpeople 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 childs accomplishments send photos/videos timely intervals to parents thru approved communication channels
  • Assess childs developmental milestones through the Teaching Strategies Gold
  • Collaboratively lead a team to support childrens 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

QUALIFICAITONS

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Have 3185 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 creditsin 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

PART-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

  • Free individual membership
  • Program discounts
  • Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
  • Paid Time off for those scheduled and working 20 per week


Required Experience:

Senior IC