Volunteer Smart Start Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YOUR IMPACT
This role is crucial to the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Lead Teacher will play a critical role in the successful operation of their designated YMCA classroom. This role develops and leads high-quality early childhood activities that foster each child’s growth—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The lead teacher provides a positive classroom experience for children and families, implements age-appropriate curriculum, and supports all age groups as needed within the program.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE
No two days are the same in this role — but every day centers on leading high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming, supporting and coaching staff, and creating a safe, nurturing environment where children and families feel valued and supported.

• Lead the day by creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences
• Guide children and staff through daily routines, activities, and transitions
• Coach and support team members, including new hires and volunteers
• Build meaningful connections with children and families, including leading conferences
• Ensure program quality and maintain compliance with all state regulations and safety standards
• Track children’s progress through observations, documentation, and assessments
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming learning spaces
• Step in where needed to support classrooms, events, and daily operations

If you’re a confident leader who enjoys variety, takes initiative, and is passionate about helping children and teams grow — this role is for you

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 3 Positions
*All positions provide support to all age groups and classrooms based on staffing needs.

Position 1: YMCA Children's Learning Center
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
$18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant-funded differential)
Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly

Position 2: YMCA Children's Learning Center
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
$18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant-funded differential)
Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly

Position 3: YMCA Children's Learning Center
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
$18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant-funded differential)
Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterly

Note: This position has a lead time of 6-8 weeks before placement.

Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 19 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent required; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have completed 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours in courses directly related to childcare and/or development from birth to age six; or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); or 1 year of child development experience and 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours directly related to child care and/or development from birth to age six
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings

Upon Hire:

• Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test
• Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary)
• A minimum of 3 written references
• Register with Gateways to Opportunity
• Ability to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar year
• Complete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFS
• Training in ECERS/ITERS Quality Rating Scale trainings and assessments
• ExcelleRate Illinois Early Childhood Credential Level 3 or higher preferred
• Training in Creative Curriculum and Assessment preferred

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y! Employment benefit information available HERE.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility