Youth Development Early Learning Head Teacher

Job Title:

Youth Development Early Learning Head Teacher

Department:
Youth Development

Classification:
Full time, non-exempt

Reports to:

Youth Teen and Family Director

Ages: 3 - 5 years

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.

We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Position Summary

The Early Learning Head Teacher serves as the instructional and operational leader of the classroom. This position provides direct supervision to youth ages 3 to 5 while ensuring high quality early learning experiences, staff development, and full compliance with state licensing and YMCA standards.

The Head Teacher creates positive, nurturing relationships with youth and builds cooperative partnerships with families. This role promotes confidence, independence, and peer connection while modeling YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The Head Teacher sets the tone for safety, belonging, and developmentally appropriate practice within the classroom.

Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership and Instruction

* Manages, directs, and coordinates the assigned preschool classroom to ensure a high quality early learning environment

* Leads curriculum planning and implementation aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and Oregon Early Learning standards

* Implements culturally relevant activity plans that meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each youth

* Creates a classroom culture of belonging where every youth and family feels seen, respected, and valued

* Conducts ongoing, systematic observations and assessments to support youth growth and development

Staff Supervision and Development

* Trains, schedules, directs, and supports classroom staff and volunteers

* Provides ongoing coaching, modeling, and feedback to ensure consistent implementation of curriculum, active supervision, and positive behavior guidance

* Reviews and evaluates staff performance and supports professional growth

* Provides staff leadership during Youth Development events and initiatives

Safety, Compliance, and Operations

* Ensures active supervision of youth at all times in alignment with Oregon licensing requirements and YMCA Youth Protection standards

* Maintains compliance with Department of Early Learning and Care regulations, CACFP requirements, and YMCA policies

* Ensures accurate attendance, meal counts, documentation, and record keeping

* Serves as classroom lead during licensing visits and monitoring reviews

* Maintains a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate learning environment

* Supports budget stewardship through responsible ordering of supplies and resource management

Family and Community Partnerships

* Builds strong, proactive relationships with families through regular communication and collaboration

* Conducts family conferences as needed and supports individualized plans when appropriate

* Responds to family and community inquiries in a timely and professional manner

* Maintains positive relationships with licensing agencies, school partners, and community organizations

Professional Responsibilities

* Completes all required trainings by assigned deadlines and maintains 15 hours of annual training, with at least 8 hours in child development

* Maintains current CPR and First Aid, Food Handler certification, and required Early Learning Division trainings

* Checks and responds to email and workplace communication regularly

* Acts as a role model to youth and staff in alignment with YMCA values

* Performs other duties as assigned

As a YMCA staff member, you are a representative of our mission and values. Staff are expected to approach conversations with respect, uphold YMCA character values in all interactions, remain open to diverse perspectives, and be accountable for the energy they bring into the workplace.

Minimum Qualifications

* Meets Teacher qualification requirements as outlined by the Department of Early Learning and Care, including one of the following:

* At least one year or 1,500 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a licensed program, or

* At least 750 hours of qualifying teaching experience in a certified preschool, or

* Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, Human Development, Child and Family Studies, or related field

* 18 years of age

* Enrolled in the Oregon Child Care Division Central Background Registry

* Experience planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities

* At least one year of supervisory…