Pre-K Special Education Teacher Jobs in Pennsylvania

Lead Teacher / Group Supervisor – Pre-K Classroom (Ages 4–5) & Early Learning Center Educational Lead

Reports To: Child Care Director

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher / Group Supervisor is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a high-quality early childhood education program for children ages 4 and 5. This position ensures a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment while promoting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

In addition to leading the pre-K classroom, the Group Supervisor serves as the Educational Lead Teacher for the Early Learning Center (ELC). Working directly under the Child Care Director, this position provides instructional leadership, curriculum guidance, mentoring, and support to all classroom teaching staff. The Group Supervisor helps ensure consistency in educational programming, classroom quality, and compliance throughout the ELC while promoting a positive and collaborative learning environment for children, families, and staff.

The Lead Teacher serves as the classroom leader, supervises assistant teachers and aides, maintains compliance with state licensing regulations, and builds positive relationships with families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences aligned with early childhood education standards.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Establish and maintain daily schedules and classroom routines.
• Foster positive behavior and social-emotional development through consistent guidance and support.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress and development.

Child Supervision and Safety

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children at all times.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios in accordance with state regulations.
• Conduct regular attendance counts and supervise transitions, outdoor play, meals, and rest periods.
• Follow all emergency, health, and safety procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents, and concerns according to program policies.

ELC Educational Leadership

• Serve as the lead teacher and educational leader for the entire Early Learning Center under the direction of the Child Care Director.
• Support the implementation of curriculum, lesson planning, and developmentally appropriate practices across all classrooms.
• Mentor, coach, and provide guidance to Assistant Group Supervisors, assistant teachers, and aides.
• Assist with onboarding and training new classroom staff.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide feedback to support continuous quality improvement.
• Promote consistency in classroom management, routines, assessment practices, and family engagement throughout the ELC.
• Assist the Child Care Director with maintaining Keystone STARS standards and licensing compliance.
• Serve as a resource for staff regarding child development, behavior guidance, and educational best practices.
• Support center-wide events, family engagement activities, and program initiatives.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and support assistant teachers, aides, and classroom support staff within the Pre-K classroom while also serving as a mentor and educational resource for teaching staff throughout the Early Learning Center.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively.
• Provide guidance and model best practices in early childhood education.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.

Family Engagement

• Build positive relationships with families through open and respectful communication.
• Conduct parent conferences and share information regarding children's development and classroom activities.
• Address parent questions and concerns professionally and promptly.
• Encourage family participation in program activities and events.

Program Compliance

• Maintain classroom records, assessments, lesson plans, and documentation as required.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations, Keystone STARS standards, and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Assist during licensing visits, audits, and program evaluations.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or related field preferred.
• Meet Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for a Group Supervisor.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with preschool-aged children required; supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support teaching staff.
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to pass all required background clearances and health assessments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development and early childhood education best practices.
• Ability to provide instructional leadership and coaching to teaching staff.
• Excellent classroom management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Keystone STARS standards and childcare licensing regulations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and administration.
• Proficiency in maintaining records, assessments, and educational documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and actively engage with children throughout the day.
• Ability to supervise children both indoors and outdoors.
• Visual and auditory ability to monitor children's safety and needs.

Organizational Structure

Child Care Director
↓
Group Supervisor / ELC Educational Lead Teacher (4–5 Year Old Classroom)
↓
Assistant Group Supervisor / Lead Teacher (2–3 Year Old Classroom)
↓
Assistant Teachers and Aides

YMCA Mission Statement

The Lead Teacher / Group Supervisor & ELC Educational Lead supports the YMCA's mission by fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility through quality early childhood education, staff leadership, family engagement, and positive role modeling.

Salary: Based on education, experience, and qualifications.
Benefits: As outlined by YMCA employment policies and eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Pay: $16.00 - $18.25 per hour

Work Location: In person