Lead Teacher

You may be eligible for up to $3000 annual wage supplement based on education after six months of employment. (made possible through the Step Up to WAGE$ RI program)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. The Lead Teacher will maintain a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families. They will be responsible for the development and delivery of a high quality, well-rounded, age-appropriate curriculum that is aligned to the RI Early Learning & Development Standards (RIELDS).  

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: 

• Develop and deliver a high quality, well-rounded, age-appropriate curriculum that is aligned to the RI Early Learning & Development Standards (RIELDS).  
• Assure compliance with DHS and Bright Stars as they relate to program areas including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met, and safety procedures are followed.  
• Supervise classroom staff. Work in collaboration with the Program Director to review staff effectiveness and individual performance annually. 

• Gear the program to the needs of individual children with concerns for their interests, special talent, diversity and individual style and pace of learning.  
• Continually promote the values of inclusion and equity among all participants. Help children to become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.  

• Responsible for supervising and demonstrating the ability to set and maintain limits for children using positive reinforcement. Treat all children with dignity and respect.  
• Plan, implement and attend appealing and meaningful programs and events for parents and/or families on a regular basis; provide an ongoing network (formal and informal) of support for program parents including distribution of a monthly program newsletter/calendar. 
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences on children’s school adjustment and classroom behavior. 
• Be responsible for the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment of the classroom, as well as maintenance of equipment and classroom supplies 

• Act as a professional role model. Maintain good public relations with parents and the larger Y community. Understand that you represent the YMCA and maintain a positive disposition, demeanor and attire. 
• To ensure the health and safety of all the children, i.e. caution regarding unsafe practices and conditions and perform rescue/first aid when necessary. Report accidents and injuries and complete incident reports.  

• Promote a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor and appropriate staff at all levels of the YMCA. Attend staff meetings as required. 
• Keep abreast of the trends and needs in childcare and plan for ways to meet those needs. Continually enhance professional development through workshops, educational courses and/or appropriate reading material/ Licensing requires the completion of a minimum of 24 hours training per year relevant to the care of children 0-5. 
• Other duties as assigned could include but are not limited to; staff scheduling, staff meetings, payroll, continuing BrightStars standards and qualifications of programs etc. 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

Engaging Community-Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.  

Inclusion-Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as cultural competence.  

Communication & Influence-Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.  

Critical Thinking & Decision Making-Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.  

Program Management-Ensures programs or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.  

Emotional Maturity-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.  

Developing Self & Others-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• R.I. Certificate in Early Childhood Education; or 
• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited or approved institution or higher education; and have minimum of three months supervised teaching experience; or  

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited or approved institution of higher education and have met the course work and experience requirements defined in the Rhode Island Early Childhood certification standards. 
• Must be 18 years old and have a high-school diploma or equivalent.  
• Certifications required before working with children: Child Abuse Prevention Training, New Employee Orientation, all RI DHS and MA EEC requirements.  
• Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen, RI DHS Pre-service Health & Safety Training. This position must have the ability to respond to safety and emergency situations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is performed in a fast-paced school environment. Position requires attending meetings at different off-site locations.  

• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities. 

• Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens and/or documents and making changes as necessary/required.  

• This job requires high levels of alertness and concentration. This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking in order to identify problems and recommend solutions.  

• This job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative in order to work within deadlines. 

• Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.   

• The incumbent must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, and the ability to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils is essential.