Lead Teacher

Job DetailsJob Location: Kankakee, IL 60901Salary Range: $17.00 - $20.00 HourlyPOSITION SUMMARY The Early Childhood Lead Teacher supports the work of the Kankakee Area YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading high-quality early childhood education experiences for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K. This position creates a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes school readiness, social-emotional growth, and positive relationships with children and families. The Lead Teacher provides classroom leadership by mentoring Assistant Teachers, supporting daily center operations, maintaining licensing compliance, and serving as a role model in delivering mission-driven care aligned with YMCA values. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Plan and implement daily lesson plans using approved curriculum and Illinois Early Learning Standards. Create and maintain a safe, structured, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that supports each child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Provide positive behavior guidance through developmentally appropriate redirection, encouragement, and reinforcement. Maintain active supervision of children at all times while ensuring required staff-to-child ratios are met. Lead, mentor, train, and support Assistant Teachers by modeling best teaching practices and promoting a positive team environment. Support classroom staff through delegation of daily responsibilities and effective communication. Develop and maintain positive relationships with families through regular communication, daily updates, conferences, and the Brightwheel communication platform. Maintain accurate classroom records including attendance, meal counts, developmental observations, incident reports, behavior reports, medication documentation, and other required licensing records. Ensure compliance with all YMCA policies, DCFS licensing regulations, health department requirements, and established safety procedures. Maintain classroom organization, sanitation, and cleanliness in accordance with health and safety standards. Assist with center events, family engagement activities, enrollment efforts, marketing initiatives, and community outreach as assigned. Support budget-conscious use of classroom materials and supplies. Based on qualifications, serve as the designated person in charge during the Childcare Director's absence when assigned, exercising delegated authority within YMCA policies, DCFS licensing regulations, and established operating procedures to ensure the safe and effective operation of the center. Support daily center operations by coordinating classroom staffing, maintaining required staff-to-child ratios, assisting with medication administration in accordance with YMCA policies, responding appropriately to child illness or behavioral concerns, and providing operational support across classrooms as needed. Complete administrative and operational responsibilities including filing, inventory management, classroom coverage, center-wide cleaning responsibilities, and other duties assigned to support program operations. Perform all other duties as assigned. STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES Program Quality & Compliance Deliver high-quality early childhood education that aligns with YMCA standards, DCFS licensing requirements, and Illinois Early Learning Guidelines. Maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. Ensure accurate documentation and compliance with all required licensing standards. Classroom Leadership & Staff Development Foster a collaborative classroom culture through coaching, mentoring, and supporting Assistant Teachers. Promote consistency in classroom routines, curriculum implementation, and positive behavior management. Model professionalism, teamwork, and YMCA values in all interactions. Family Engagement & Child Outcomes Build strong partnerships with families through proactive communication and relationship building. Promote school readiness and healthy child development by providing individualized support and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Support family engagement opportunities that strengthen connections between home and the YMCA. Operational Leadership & Continuity Support seamless daily center operations through effective classroom leadership and delegated decision-making. Assist with staffing adjustments and operational needs to ensure compliance with required staff-to-child ratios. Provide leadership and operational continuity during the Childcare Director's absence as designated.   LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES Mission Advancement Demonstrates the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Creates an inclusive, welcoming classroom environment where every child and family feels valued. Supports the YMCA mission through quality early childhood programming. Collaboration Builds positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, volunteers, and community partners. Communicates effectively and respectfully. Supports the growth and success of fellow staff members through coaching and collaboration. Operational Effectiveness Exercises sound judgment and decision-making. Maintains classroom quality, safety, and licensing compliance. Supports efficient daily operations while adapting to changing program needs. Personal Growth Demonstrates professionalism, emotional maturity, and accountability. Pursues ongoing professional development and required annual training. Welcomes feedback and embraces continuous improvement. QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS Required High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 19 years of age. Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Early Childhood Lead Teacher by possessing one of the following: 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university, including at least 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or One year of child development experience and 30 semester hours, including at least 6 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or other qualifying credential recognized by DCFS. Meet all DCFS licensing requirements, including background checks, fingerprinting (if required), TB screening, medical examination, and immunization documentation. Register with Gateways to Opportunity. ExcelleRate Illinois Early Childhood Credential Level 3 or higher. Training in ECERS/ITERS Quality Rating Scales preferred. CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, and YMCA New Employee Orientation certifications (or obtained within required timelines). Complete Mandated Reporter Training, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Food Handler Training within required timeframes. Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of approved professional development annually. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead classroom staff while building positive relationships with children and families. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and work collaboratively as part of a team. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Maintain full compliance with DCFS licensing standards and YMCA policies. Deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum with consistent classroom quality. Complete required documentation accurately and on time. Maintain safe classroom environments with active supervision and licensing ratios. Achieve positive family satisfaction through communication and engagement. Support Assistant Teacher development through coaching and leadership. Complete all required training and professional development within established timelines. Contribute positively to center-wide goals, enrollment retention, and organizational culture. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit throughout the workday. Frequently lift, carry, or assist children and classroom materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to actively supervise children both indoors and outdoors. Ability to respond quickly during emergencies. Work in a fast-paced childcare environment with frequent interaction with children, families, and staff.