26579 Early Learning Lead Teacher

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Early Learning Lead Teacher to join our team.

The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  

As the Early Learning Lead Teacher, you will support the YMCA Early Learning Center (ELC) program year-round to serve our community and youth with a variety of activity options to explore, develop interests, and talents with a focus on safety, health, social growth, and academic enhancement so that children have fun, grow and thrive in our care. If hired for this position, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing services of the Child Care program within the Early Learning Center.

Key Responsibilities: 

• You will support the YMCA Early Learning Center (ELC) program year-round.
• You will serve our community with a variety of programmatic and activity options to explore and develop interests and talents with a focus on safety, health, social growth, and academic enhancement.
• You will help provide balanced recreation, education, and character development through enriched activities 
• You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing services of the childcare program at the YMCA Early Learning Center. 
• You will maintain positive communication with parents, children, schools, and other staff; practice risk management, and develop positive community relations.

 Are you a good fit?

• Two years or more years of related experience in an Early Learning setting.
• At least 18 years old.
• Have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Have at minimum an Early Childhood Education Short Certificate
• Have or are willing to obtain an Early Childhood Education State Certificate.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
• A desire to have fun, engage with children, and inspire creativity!
• Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age-appropriate techniques.
• Preferred: Knowledge and skills to lead a large group using behavior management skills.
• Possesses (or is willing to obtain prior to hire): CPR, First Aid, TB Test, Food Handler’s Card, Child Care Basic STARS, proof of MMR vaccine, Merit account.
• Able to complete a Department of Children, Youth, and Families Portable Background Check.
• Able up to lift 50 lbs. and move quickly to engage with the children.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Wage: $20.98 to $24.37 per hour, depending on qualifications

Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week  

Location: YMCA University Place Early Learning Center, Tacoma, WA 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options
• YMCA paid Life and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement saving plan. After 2 years of Full-Time employment, the YMCA will contribute 8% of your monthly earnings
• Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with years of service)  
• 8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year
• Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center 
• Professional training, education and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, Child Care services, and merchandise 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for Full-Time employees

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team. To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org. 

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled