Early Learning Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Learning Instructor is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children ages six weeks to five years at the YMCA Early Learning Academy. Working as a member of a collaborative teaching team, the instructor creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment aligned with YMCA values and early learning best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Classroom Teaching & Child Development

• Implement daily lesson plans that promote school readiness, creativity, and active learning through play.
• Maintain a structured but flexible classroom schedule that supports child-led discovery and individual needs.
• Observe and assess children’s development and communicate observations with families and supervisors.

Health & Safety

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children at all times.
• Follow YMCA and SC DSS licensing guidelines related to child supervision, cleaning, sanitation, and emergency procedures.
• Conduct daily classroom checks and report maintenance or safety issues as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with co-teachers, substitutes, and administrative staff to ensure high-quality classroom coverage and continuity of care.
• Participate in regular team meetings and professional development sessions.
• Model YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Family Engagement

• Establish positive relationships with families through daily communication and support.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, family events, or other engagement activities as needed.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Personal Growth

Mission Advancement

Collaboration

Operational Effectiveness

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must meet minimum qualifications for child care teaching staff under SC DSS child care regulations.
• Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in an early childhood setting.
• Preferred: Child Development Associate (CDA), Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Certifications & Requirements

• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Must complete background check, TB test, and all required DSS training within designated timeframes.
• Maintain compliance with annual training hours and health/safety policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
2. Ability to be physically active to include but not limited to walking, sitting, squatting, standing, kneeling, climbing, running, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.
3. Must have the physical, visual and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job.