Early Care & Education Lead Teacher (WYD)

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The lead teacher is responsible for all aspects of care, education and safety of the children in his/her classroom. They will incorporate the values of caring, honesty, faith, respect and responsibility in all aspects of their job performance.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Set the climate for children, staff and volunteers in the classrooms
2. Supervise classroom staff & volunteers and understand their value
3. Maintain a safe & clean environment at all times in classroom & center. This includes assisting with clean-up following meals & snacks
4. Write and implement weekly lesson plans that are aligned to the curriculum and standards, maintain child and classroom assessments and screenings
5. Understand and be able to communicate curriculum, assessments, and screenings to state specialists
6. Guide children’s behavior and learning through active interaction & implementation of lesson plans.
7. Maintain accurate records for licensing, USDA & other funding agencies
8. Attend to toileting needs, change diapers and feed children who are unable to feed themselves
9. Maintain the classroom to meet all ODJFS and Step Up to Quality requirements
10. Appreciate the diversity of families and how to effectively and appropriately share information with them about their child
11. Prepare daily activity sheets for each child
12. Make daily observations of health of children & take appropriate as needed
13. Attend staff meetings, workshops and conferences as requested and require
14. Must complete required licensing trainings and Step Up trainings within the first 30 days of employment and 20 hours or more of Step Up trainings every 2 years
15. Understand the need for and play an active role in the Annual Campaign & UW Campaigns
16. Know and follow all state and center emergency policies and procedures
17. Maintain a professional demeanor
18. Be responsible for the appearance and cleanliness of the learning environment of the site
19. All other duties as assigned

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Emotional Maturity: Acts in alignment with organizational values in all situations.  Accepts responsibility for behavior.  Leads with Empathy, anticipation how actions and words impact others.
• Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect. Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected.
• Engaging Community: Recognizes and articulates that the Y is a not-for-profit, charitable organization committed to serving the entire community. Serves others by intentionally welcoming, connecting and supporting them, and inviting them to get involved and give back to the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must qualify under ODJFS stipulations:
  • A copy of a high school diploma recognized by the state board of education or the appropriate agency of another state as equivalent to a high school education required.
  • Official college transcripts preferred.
  • Each administrator, employee, and child care staff member shall receive a medical examination from a licensed physician, a physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse or a certified nurse practitioner within twelve months prior to the first day of employment.
  • Complete ODJFS orientation training shall be completed within ninety days of starting employment at the center as a child care staff member.
  • Complete FBI and BCI background checks.
• Experience working with children preferred
• Must maintain professional appearance, strong communication, organization and administrative skills
• Must believe in YMCA’s philosophy and mission and willing to teach, model and implement character development values
• Must be flexible and maintain positive attitude
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record if responsible for driving YMCA vehicles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job involves sitting and standing for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing and climbing.
• Must be able to assist a child in distress weighing up to 50lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Tasks that involve infrequent exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues.