Assistant Director/Lead Teacher

Child Development Academy | Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Do you love working with children and mentoring teachers? Are you ready to take the next step into leadership while staying connected to the classroom?

The YMCA is seeking a hands-on Assistant Director/Lead Teacher to support the daily operations of our Child Development Academy. This leadership role combines administrative responsibilities with direct classroom involvement. You'll work alongside the Center Director to ensure a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment while regularly serving as a Lead Teacher to support classrooms, maintain staff-to-child ratios, and model best practices in early childhood education.

What You'll Do

• Support the daily operations of the Child Development Academy.
• Help ensure compliance with Georgia Bright from the Start (DECAL) licensing regulations and YMCA policies.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to teaching staff.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Assist with staff scheduling, classroom coverage, and center operations.
• Step into classrooms as a Lead Teacher as needed to maintain ratios and ensure continuity of care.
• Develop and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans when serving in the classroom.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming learning environment.
• Assist with family engagement, special events, and other center initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for early childhood education and child development.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on classroom leadership.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and commitment to teamwork.
• Dedication to the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Education required.
• Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Must enroll in a Georgia DECAL-approved Director Credential Program within 90 days of hire and successfully complete the credential in accordance with DECAL requirements.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a licensed early childhood education program required.
• Previous lead teacher or supervisory experience preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Fire Safety certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Background Check.

Why Join the YMCA?

• Competitive pay, benefits, and PTO.
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance available.
  • Employer paid Life Insurance, and Short and Long Term Disability Insurance.
  • Employer pays 12% of your pay into the YMCA Retirement Fund after vesting period.
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • PTO accrual beings after 6 months of service.
  • FREE Family Metro Membership to the YMCA.
  • Discounted Childcare at CDA
• Professional development opportunities.
• Endless high-fives and adorable drawings!
• A fun and supportive team that feels like family.

At the YMCA, we're more than a childcare center-we're building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. You'll have the opportunity to grow professionally, make a meaningful impact every day, and work alongside a team that is passionate about helping children thrive.

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.