Lead Teacher

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: YMCA of Metropolitan Denver - Denver, CO 80221Position Type: Part TimeSalary Range: $20.00 - $23.00 HourlyHelp little learners grow, explore, and belong.

Do you believe the best learning happens through play, curiosity, and connection? Do you enjoy turning everyday moments into learning adventures? If so, we’d love to meet you.

At the YMCA, our early childhood educators do more than teach—they spark confidence, nurture kindness, and help children discover the joy of learning. As a Lead Teacher, you’ll guide a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.

What You’ll Do

Create a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels valued and included
Plan fun, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity, 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 children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development
Maintain a safe, organized, and nurturing learning environment

What Makes You a Great Fit

You believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated
You bring energy, creativity, and patience to the classroom
You enjoy collaborating with other educators and supporting their growth
You understand that play is powerful learning

Why You'll Love Working Here

Make a real difference in children’s lives every day
Work with a team that lives the values of caring, 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 our people, 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 child’s accomplishments, send photos/videos timely intervals to parents thru approved communication channels  
Assess child’s developmental milestones through the Teaching Strategies Gold    
Collaboratively lead a team to support children’s 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 & BenefitsQUALIFICAITONS

Minimum 18 years of age   

Have 3,185 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 credits in 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