Early Learning Team Leader Infant/Toddler - Salem YMCA

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Salem YMCA - Salem, MA 01970Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $26.00 - $30.00 HourlyJob Shift: DaysAre you an experienced early childhood educator ready to take the next step in your career? The YMCA is excited to introduce a new Team Leader position designed to support career growth, peer mentorship, and high-quality learning environments across our Early Education program.

This role is perfect for a dedicated Lead Teacher who enjoys guiding others, modeling best practices, and contributing to a positive, professional, consistent, and engaging learning environment for young children.

About the Role:

As a Team Leader, you’ll provide classroom leadership and peer support to ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate, high-quality practices throughout the center. You’ll serve as a mentor and collaborator, helping to maintain curriculum consistency, support teacher development, and foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.

This new position offers a meaningful opportunity for emerging leaders to grow their skills while helping others do the same.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Excellence & Curriculum Support



Model and support the implementation of a high-quality curriculum aligned with EEC, New Hampshire CCLU guidelines, and YMCA values.


Collaborate with teaching teams to enhance lesson plans, classroom design, and learning activities.


Help coordinate smooth transitions and consistent daily routines that support child development and classroom safety.



Peer Mentorship & Staff Support



Serve as a mentor to teachers by offering guidance, modeling effective practices, and providing hands-on support.


Help troubleshoot classroom challenges and promote a culture of professionalism and collaboration.


Step into classrooms as needed to maintain appropriate staff-child ratios.


Support fellow educators as they grow in their roles and prepare for future leadership opportunities.



Communication & Collaboration



Maintain open, respectful communication with families, coworkers, and leadership.


Participate in staff meetings and contribute to program development and quality improvement efforts.


Partner with leadership to ensure consistency in curriculum delivery and classroom practices.



Why Work at the Y?

Working at the YMCA means being part of a mission-driven organization that supports professional growth, community impact, and work-life balance. Our benefits include:



Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and employer-funded life insurance for full-time staff


Time Off: Generous paid time off, including 2 weeks of vacation, plus sick and personal days


Retirement Plan: 12% company contribution to your retirement fund (fully vested, no match required)


YMCA Membership: Free family membership and discounts on programs


Professional Development: Ongoing training and advancement opportunities


Supportive Environment: Be part of a collaborative team making a real difference


Competitive Compensation: Fair and competitive pay and benefits package



This new position is an ideal opportunity for Lead Teachers looking to build leadership experience and grow within the field of early education. Apply today and help shape the future of early learning—one teacher, one child, one classroom at a time.
Qualifications

EEC/CCLU Lead Teacher Certification (Required)


Minimum of 3 years of classroom teaching experience in early childhood education


Demonstrated leadership ability and a consistent record of strong performance


Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences


Willingness to actively participate in the Team Leader training program


Strong communication and collaboration skills


Ability to support and inspire peers in a positive, non-supervisory capacity




Physical Demands:

The physical requirements listed below are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.



Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for extended periods


Frequent exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids


Must be able to lift and/or assist children weighing up to 50 pounds


Ability to lift and carry supplies (e.g., food, equipment) up to 20 pounds


Ability to maintain alertness while standing or sitting for several hours


Physical capacity for bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking as needed


Clear and concise verbal communication; ability to speak and respond effectively


Adequate vision and hearing to respond to emergencies


Ability to enter and review data for extended periods