Lead Teacher (Preschool) - Dove Springs, Tomorrow Academy

Make a lasting impact on young learners' lives while enjoying 48 days of PTO, a free family gym membership, and so much more!

This full-time, Monday - Friday position will be housed at the YMCA Dove Springs Tomorrow Academy located in 78744!

How You Will Power Our Purpose (Job Summary)

Are you a passionate, caring, and creative educator with a love for nurturing young minds? We are seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Lead Teacher to join our team and inspire our toddler classroom. In this role, you will have the opportunity to create a warm, supportive, and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. We believe in the importance of secure attachment in early childhood, and we are looking for someone who understands how to build strong, trusting relationships with children to support their emotional and social development. If you have a knack for developing engaging activities, a heart full of compassion, and a desire to make a lasting impact on children's lives, we would love to hear from you! Join us in creating a positive and enriching early learning experience where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

How You Will Make An Impact (Essential Functions)

• Nurture Little Ones: Create a loving environment for a classroom of children (infants, toddlers or preschoolers) by setting daily routines, ensuring they are clean, fed, and happy, while supporting their early growth and comfort.
• Curriculum Explorer: Guide young minds through exciting, research-based activities that build their curiosity, help them grasp new ideas, and get them school-ready.
• Discovery Advocate: Plan creative, hands-on activities that turn every day into a learning adventure, covering everything from language and math to science and social skills.
• Confidence Builder: Foster self-esteem and social-emotional growth, helping children develop strong skills that will last a lifetime.
• Growth Watcher: Observe and celebrate each child’s progress, keeping track of their development to ensure they’re reaching milestones and thriving.
• Community Connector: Keep parents in the loop with daily updates on their child’s progress and any concerns, building strong partnerships that support every child’s success.
• Cleanliness Connoisseur: Keep our classrooms and play areas spotless and inviting, ensuring every toy and surface is sanitized for a safe, fun-filled day of learning.
• Snack Time Specialist: Serve up healthy snacks with a side of fun, following all guidelines to keep little tummies happy and healthy.
• Team Player: Work hand-in-hand with assistant teachers and Academy staff to create a cohesive, supportive environment where everyone thrives.
• Record Keeper: Maintain accurate, up-to-date records that capture the magic of each day, ensuring the program runs smoothly and effectively.
• Safety Champion: Be the guardian of safety, following Texas Child Care Regulation directives to protect every child in your care.
• Outdoor Learning Leader: Become an expert in nature play, turning the great outdoors into an exciting classroom where children can explore and learn.
• Lifelong Learner: Participate in staff development and team meetings, continually growing your skills and contributing to our team’s success.
• Mission Ambassador: Live out the Y’s values and wellness philosophy, inspiring everyone around you to embrace our mission and role in the community.
• Storyteller: Share the YMCA’s story with passion, becoming the ultimate ambassador of our work and culture, and helping others see the magic of what we do.
• Flexible Helper: Take on other exciting duties as assigned, always ready to jump in and make a difference wherever needed.
  
  

Education & Experience

What You Bring to the Community Enterprise

• Required Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field, or a degree in another field with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-recognized equivalent.
• High School graduate or GED equivalent and 18 years of age or older.
• Relevant experience with young children.
• Experience in licensed childcare (NAEYC accredited preferred).
• Have or be willing to obtain CPR/first aid certification, a criminal background check, and a food handler’s license.
• Availability: You have the availability to work Monday – Friday with a flexible schedule.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge or experience with emergent curriculum and best practices in early learning.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  

Core Competencies

• You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude, and you can work well with others. 
• A loving and caring attitude that will extend toward the children in your class and the parents in our program
• You are organized, able to prioritize tasks and handle multiple assignments.
• You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and write effectively.
• You continue to learn from success and failure.
• You leverage people’s differences as strengths. 
  
  

Physical Requirements: 

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.