Job Overview
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee wellness programs
flexible scheduling
Job Description
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is a renowned non-profit organization deeply rooted in the Atlanta community, serving as a leader in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building. With a legacy that spans over many years, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta is committed to creating inclusive environments where individuals and families can thrive. The association is not just a place of fitness and recreational activities; it is a vibrant community hub that fosters growth, learning, and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through its extensive programs, the YMCA engages in meaningful outreach affecting thousands of lives annually and facilitates significant support through its volunteer and donor network across Atlanta and the broader state.
At the heart of its mission, the YMCA prioritizes equal opportunity and empowerment, especially for children, aiming to provide every child with the chance to fulfill their potential. The organization runs high-quality programs including literacy and STEAM education for very young children, comprehensive youth and teen programs in sports, aquatics, camps, leadership development, and employment opportunities. Beyond youth, it offers wellness and social programs to over 200,000 members, encouraging sustained physical and mental health. The YMCA thrives because of its inclusive culture, team spirit, and shared commitment from staff, volunteers, and community members alike.
The role of Head Start Lead Teacher at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta represents an opportunity to be a vital part of this impactful work, focusing on children aged 3-5 within the Early Learning Center setting. Reporting under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, the Lead Teacher is entrusted with managing the classroom operations and guiding classroom staff in delivering the highest standards of early childhood education. This full-time position requires a passionate educator who can thoughtfully plan and deliver learning experiences that nurture physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. The teacher’s influence extends beyond academics, fostering literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, and problem-solving skills that form the foundation for school readiness.
The ideal candidate will embrace the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, integrating those principles into teaching philosophies and practices. Responsibilities include using developmentally appropriate, individualized, and inclusive learning strategies that accommodate children with disabilities and diverse learning needs. The role requires constant engagement with families, encouraging their participation in the child's educational journey through home visits and conferences, building strong partnerships that support children's holistic development. Additionally, the Lead Teacher is responsible for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining accurate documentation, conducting developmental assessments, and participating actively in team meetings and professional development.
Safety and nurturing are paramount; the educator must create and maintain a learning environment that is secure, stimulating, and supportive. The Lead Teacher guides students in positive behavior, ensuring their well-being during all activities inside and outdoors. Classroom organization, including functional and clutter-free learning spaces, is another important aspect of the role. This position requires physical capability as the teacher will support children in various physical activities and daily care routines.
In summary, the Head Start Lead Teacher at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta will play a critical role in shaping young minds and supporting families within a respected community-centered organization. This position offers meaningful employment with a comprehensive benefits package through Early Childhood Development Co., LLC, managed by the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc., and promises a professional environment committed to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
At the heart of its mission, the YMCA prioritizes equal opportunity and empowerment, especially for children, aiming to provide every child with the chance to fulfill their potential. The organization runs high-quality programs including literacy and STEAM education for very young children, comprehensive youth and teen programs in sports, aquatics, camps, leadership development, and employment opportunities. Beyond youth, it offers wellness and social programs to over 200,000 members, encouraging sustained physical and mental health. The YMCA thrives because of its inclusive culture, team spirit, and shared commitment from staff, volunteers, and community members alike.
The role of Head Start Lead Teacher at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta represents an opportunity to be a vital part of this impactful work, focusing on children aged 3-5 within the Early Learning Center setting. Reporting under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, the Lead Teacher is entrusted with managing the classroom operations and guiding classroom staff in delivering the highest standards of early childhood education. This full-time position requires a passionate educator who can thoughtfully plan and deliver learning experiences that nurture physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. The teacher’s influence extends beyond academics, fostering literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, and problem-solving skills that form the foundation for school readiness.
The ideal candidate will embrace the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, integrating those principles into teaching philosophies and practices. Responsibilities include using developmentally appropriate, individualized, and inclusive learning strategies that accommodate children with disabilities and diverse learning needs. The role requires constant engagement with families, encouraging their participation in the child's educational journey through home visits and conferences, building strong partnerships that support children's holistic development. Additionally, the Lead Teacher is responsible for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining accurate documentation, conducting developmental assessments, and participating actively in team meetings and professional development.
Safety and nurturing are paramount; the educator must create and maintain a learning environment that is secure, stimulating, and supportive. The Lead Teacher guides students in positive behavior, ensuring their well-being during all activities inside and outdoors. Classroom organization, including functional and clutter-free learning spaces, is another important aspect of the role. This position requires physical capability as the teacher will support children in various physical activities and daily care routines.
In summary, the Head Start Lead Teacher at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta will play a critical role in shaping young minds and supporting families within a respected community-centered organization. This position offers meaningful employment with a comprehensive benefits package through Early Childhood Development Co., LLC, managed by the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc., and promises a professional environment committed to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education
- excellent verbal/written communication skills
- knowledge and experience with PDS documentation, transcripts, and credentials
- able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry objects or children up to 50 lbs
- ability to pass pre-employment background check including criminal record, drug screening, motor vehicle record, and reference check
- must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education
- excellent verbal and written communication skills
- experience with PDS documentation and maintaining transcripts
- ability to perform physical duties such as kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 lbs
- knowledge of early childhood development best practices
- ability to work effectively with children, families, and team members
- understanding of regulatory compliance in education settings
- proficiency in developmental assessments and individualized instruction techniques
Job Duties
- Directly supervise and develop classroom associates and manage daily classroom operations
- plan and implement learning experiences that support intellectual and physical development
- improve children's readiness for school by developing literacy, phonemic, and print awareness
- enhance language use, vocabulary, and book appreciation
- establish foundational early math, science, problem-solving, and learning approaches
- maintain a safe and healthy learning environment
- support children's social and emotional development
- encourage family involvement and build relationships between children and families
- implement individualized, inclusive, and appropriate learning practices
- comply with all federal, state, local, and program regulations and timelines
- meet performance, monitoring, licensure, and disabilities service requirements, including developmental assessments and parent conferences
- actively participate in indoor and outdoor teaching activities
- supervise children at all times and redirect behavior positively
- respond promptly to children in distress
- utilize appropriate feeding, toileting, cleaning, and health care practices
- model grammatically correct language
- prepare and implement age-appropriate, integrated, and thematic curriculum-based activities
- organize and maintain interactive, clean, safe, hands-on environments
- balance child-initiated and teacher-directed activities
- manage large, small, and individualized instruction
- plan transition strategies for daily activities
- organize classroom space into functional, clutter-free areas
- conduct ongoing developmental observations and record them
- conduct timely home visits and schedule positive parent conferences
- administer developmental assessments and use them for planning
- refer suspected disabilities and abuse as appropriate
- foster parent and volunteer participation in classrooms and homes
- accurately record daily attendance and meal counts
- participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development
- enforce health, safety, organization, aesthetics, and sanitation guidelines
- report suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, and incidents promptly
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster
Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily
