Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and families. The Somerville YMCA is seeking a caring, organized, and experienced Pre-K/K OST Lead Educator to help lead a nurturing Out-of-School Time program for children ages 4 to 5.9. This is an opportunity to guide curriculum, support social-emotional growth, partner with families, and help create a warm, engaging environment where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to thrive.
Job Title: Pre-K/K OST Lead Educator
Status: Full-time, non-exempt preschool child care/OST position. This school-year role averages 32–40 hours per week depending on the school-day schedule. The program operates after school, with full-day programming during school vacation weeks and summer.
Compensation & Benefits
- $22.00–$28.00 per hour, with an average of 35–40 hours per week (pay will be commensurate to experience).
- 12% contribution to the Y retirement plan after eligibility is met.
- Medical insurance.
- PTO and sick time
- 12 additional paid holidays and 5 professional development days.
- Complimentary YMCA membership.
- Free available parking and convenient access to nearby T stops.
Reports to: Pre-K/K OST Site Director
Position Summary
The Pre-K/K OST Lead Educator supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. In this role, you will help lead two classrooms in a warm, home-like setting, providing direction for curriculum, daily activities, special education supports, and mental health/social-emotional learning. The ideal candidate is a collaborative educator who brings creativity, compassion, and strong classroom leadership to help children and families have a high-quality Somerville YMCA experience rooted in honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.
What You’ll Do
Key Responsibilities
The Lead Teacher at the Somerville YMCA will:
- Keeps safety of children as a first priority; emphasize personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff at all times.
- Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior guidance and ensures that colleagues are utilizing similar strategies.
- Sets a tone of professionalism and efficiency while maintaining a nurturing classroom environment.
- Supervises children to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and smooth transitions.
- Work with the Site Director on daily program needs at the Somerville YMCA; ensure classroom spaces and materials are properly maintained and sustain an engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
- Is actively engaged in assessing children’s progress, curriculum planning, program assessments, and communication with families and ensures that his/her classroom administration is up to date.
- Works with the Site Director to introduce activities that positively engage the group while considering individualized instruction as necessary.
- Participates in a minimum of 20 hours of training per year and meets EEC/YMCA training guideline.
- Exhibits flexibility with scheduling, classroom assignments, and substituting in varied areas of the program.
- Is knowledgeable in and adheres to the rules, regulations, and procedures set forth by the Somerville YMCA and the Department of Early Education and Care.
- Actively participate in Somerville YMCA branch-related activities and communicate regularly with other department staff.
- Participates in some manner in the Annual Campaign.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Complete required online trainings, including Bloodborne Pathogens, Sexual Harassment, and Child Abuse Prevention, within the first 60 days of employment.
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- Meets the educational and experience qualifications established by EEC/DEEC for Lead Teacher Certification. Must possess EEC Teacher Certification to begin the position.
- CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and child abuse prevention training completed within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to plan, organize, and implement engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and program activities.
- Experience working with diverse communities and the ability to build positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
- Ability to pass required Background Record Check requirements as mandated by EEC/DEEC.
- Meets all other Somerville YMCA employment requirements.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Ability to lead and participate in active programming, including sitting on the floor with children, reaching, standing for periods of time, walking, and running when needed.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Program spaces may include the swimming pool, gymnasium, and fenced-in backyard playground.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in early education and care, Pre-K education, special education, mental health services, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with children in a developmentally appropriate Pre-K setting preferred.
To Apply : https://somervilleymca.org/about/employment/application/
- Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Education:
License/Certification:
- EEC Teacher Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
