Under the direction of the Program Director, with oversight from Associate Executive Director/Executive Director, the Preschool Lead Instructor is responsible for the planning, development, and delivery of providing a high–quality educational experience. This includes maintaining the physical appearance of the classroom to meet Licensing standards. The Lead will supervise and train assistant(s) to comply with the YMCA's policies, procedures, and philosophy of education. The individual in this position will act as a liaison between the Program Director and families participating in the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans and conducts developmentally appropriate daily activities for children. 
• Has a strong knowledge of all aspects of the daily routine and anticipates the needs of the children.
• Guides the children’s behavior and learning through active interaction and implementation of curriculum and lesson plans.
• Maintains accurate records for potential licensing and funding agencies.
• Maintains a safe, clean, pleasant physical environment conducive to optimal growth and development of children.
• Appreciates the diversity of families and knows how to share with them information effectively and appropriately about their child.
• Knows and follows all emergency policies and procedures.
• Supervises children during indoor-outdoor activities, handwashing, and toileting.
• Conducts parent conferences with individual parents at least twice yearly to report on child’s progress, discuss concerns with parents and act on those concerns.
• Greets each child and parent upon arrival.
• Visually scans each child upon arrival and checks for illness, disease, or any physical impairment. Notes in daily health check report.
• Conducts daily/weekly observations and assessments on children.
• Conducts developmental assessments on children.
• Ensures completion of all classroom records.
• Attends staff meetings and contributes to the meeting.
• Attends staff training and YMCA special events.
• Additional duties as required and assigned by a supervisor to support the overall mission of the YMCA and to ensure the success of the program.