YMCA of Greater Boston
Preschool Lead Teacher- Longwood Medical
316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
On-site · Full-time · $28–$31/hr (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026
See your drive time Apply on YMCA of Greater Boston's site
A Pre-Kindergarten teacher represents the YMCA personally, professionally, and in a manner in accordance with the mission and goals of the YMCA. Under the supervision of the Site Director, the lead teacher ensures for his/her classroom a team effort in all aspects of programming and implements classroom curriculum, updates children’s records, communicates information to families, and maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and attractive environment. Age appropriate activities should provide for growth in skills, self-awareness, friendships, and character development. By conducting themselves in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner, lead teachers are role models for children and adults. In addition, they ensure focus on programming that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, with the ultimate goal to assist children in reaching their fullest potential. Lead teachers ensure the implementation of activities for our youngest learners that align with MA guidelines and provide for positive research-based outcomes for children served. Nurturing the socio-emotional health of the children in our care is considered a primary foundation for success, including cognitive and physical growth, as well as school readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities:- Keeps safety of children as a first priority; emphasize personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff at all times.
- Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior guidance and ensures that colleagues are utilizing similar strategies.
- Sets a tone of professionalism and efficiency while maintaining a nurturing classroom environment.
- Supervises children to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and smooth transitions.
- Works with the Site Director regarding daily duties/ needs of the program; ensures classroom and materials are properly maintained sustains and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
- Is actively engaged in assessing children’s progress, curriculum planning, program assessments, and communication with families and ensures that his/her classroom administration is up to date.
- Works with the Site Director to introduce activities that positively engage the group while considering individualized instruction as necessary.
- Participates in a minimum of 20 hours of training per year and meets EEC/YMCA training guideline.
- Attendsregular staff meetings and Association-wide or regional events as assigned.
- Exhibits flexibility with scheduling, classroom assignments, and substituting in varied areas of the program.
- Considers exceptional attendance at work, promptness for shift, and reliability as core work ethic.
- Is knowledgeable in and adheres to the rules, regulations, and procedures set forth by the YMCA of Greater Boston and the Department of Early Education and Care.
- Is active in branch-related activities and communicates regularly with other department staff.
- Participates in some manner in the Annual Campaign.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Lead Teacher qualified by the Department of Early Education and Care standards.
- Bachelor's Degree Required.
- First Aid and CPR certified within the first 6 months of employment.
- Excellent skills in working with families, conflict resolution, and community relations.
- Knowledge of group process with ability to make contributions to a positive team dynamic.
- Commitment to the philosophy and goals of the YMCA.
- Effective leadership skills and crisis management skills.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Participate in online training - Blood Borne Pathogens, Sexual Harassment, and Child Abuse Prevention - within the first 60 days of employment.
- A warm, engaging environment for children, staff and families which meet quality standards and EEC licensing requirements.
- A developmentally sound program for children which provides positive channels to grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.
- Positive program assessments through observations and parent feedback.
- A program which meets the community needs in a manner consistent with the YMCA mission.
- A classroom team that works in sync with one another and with children and families as priorities
Benefits
Why work at the Y? The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:- Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
- Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
- Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
- Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
- A healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive benefits including:
- FREE YMCA Membership for you.
- Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
- Discounted or FREE family membership.
- Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
- Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)