Preschool Head Teacher

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Model and teach the YMCA values and child care philosophies with participants, colleagues, parents, visitors and any other constituents.
• Connect quickly with participants.  Develop and maintain personal relationship with children that inspire trust and confidence.  Assist each child with meeting personal goals and those established by the program.
• Plan, organize and lead small and large group activities using a team approach in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA.  Ensure that curriculum is followed but also allow for spontaneity, creativity and flexibility.
• Act as a team member as evidenced by active participation in all training events and staff meetings, cooperating with and connecting with colleagues.
• Actively participate in all daily activities.
• Positively and proactively communicate with and respond to supervisor, colleagues, children and parents.
• Directly supervise teachers, teacher assistants and volunteers assigned to classroom.  Provide feedback and assist with completion of performance reviews.  Ensure that staff have opportunities to plan and lead small and large group activities.  Provide coaching to staff to prepare them for increased responsibilities.  
• Execute day-to-day responsibilities to create a safe, secure and enjoyable environment.  Enforce all safety regulations including keeping children and program areas clean and safe.  Carry out disciplinary action when necessary and in accordance with the Discipline Policy.
• Anticipate and minimize potential problems with children or the environment and respond effectively and in accordance with YMCA guidelines, to problems that occur.  Execute and enforce all safety regulations policies and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse.
• Respond quickly and effectively to accidents and incidents.  Accurately prepare and submit Accident and Incident Reports in a timely manner.
• Instruct children in emergency procedures including fire, severe weather, and lost child.
• Provide opportunities for individuals and the group to achieve goals and making sure to meet program goals.
• Assist with the recruitment and hiring of teachers and teacher assistants.
• Take direction from the child care director or program director and to supervise, direct and guide child care teachers and child care teacher assistants.
• Help maintain all records and files including accurate documentation of attendance, emergency information, accident/incident reports, and individual and group behaviors, in accordance with the Connecticut State Department of Health licensing requirements and to maintain communication with office personnel regarding enrollment, absences and withdrawals.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude and loyalty to the YMCA.
• Assist in the daily maintenance of the program.
• Guide the staff and children by modeling behaviors that preserve the quality of supplies, equipment, and materials.
• Maintain inventory of supplies.
• Be responsible for forwarding notices and fee receipts to parents.
• Continue professional development as outlined in the Connecticut State Department of Health licensing requirements (annual training hours equal to or greater than 20% of hours worked) as well as any/all training required by the YMCA and other accrediting agencies.
• Be knowledgeable and supportive of YMCA programs and encourage member participation in events and programs.
• Assume any other duties as directed by supervisor or director.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.
• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in such a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential. 

Experience, Education, and Qualifications:

• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Must have at least one of the following (A or B):
  • A.   
    • 1. A high school diploma or equivalent.
    • 2. At least 1080 hours of documented supervised experience over a nine-month period, including working with children in a program with these standards or comparable standards.  Programs must serve same ages and developmental stages as those served in this program.
    • 3. Twelve (12) credits in early childhood education or child development, elementary education, recreation, group social work, or a related filed from an accredited institution of higher education with program approval from a Board of Governors of Higher Education.
  • B. 
    • 1.  A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or child development.
    •  2.  At least 360 hours of documented supervised experience with unrelated children of the same ages to be served and with these or comparable standards plus at least one semester of student teaching with children of same ages/developmental stages as those to be served.
• Must be able to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities
• Must be able to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Must possess sufficient visual and auditory acuity to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• Must have documentation of a physical examination every two years and a TB Tine Test upon hire and must submit   Department of Public Health Background Check and fingerprinting forms within 30 days of hire.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred