Preschool Lead Teacher 3: Brace YMCA

Under the direction of Program Director, or branch specific designee, and in accordance with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Preschool Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing all classroom activities and lesson plans. The Preschool Lead Teacher assumes shared responsibility for the welfare, supervision and safety of the children enrolled in the programs and will help to ensure quality programs, safe activities, and participant satisfaction.  Work towards the mission of the YMCA, while also fostering a love of learning within a community of quality, play-based education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for both large and small group settings that build on the preschool's curriculum
• Follow and implement age based curriculum activities and modify based on each child’s diverse abilities
• Develop and maintain an effective system of classroom behavior management
• Complete progress reports and developmental assessments as scheduled
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding class activities, developmental progress, and behavior concerns
• Lead check in and check out procedures
• Responsible for the supervision, safety and care of children in  the preschool area
• Drive classroom preparation and clean-up as well as that of common areas in the preschool
• Have knowledge of and enforce all applicable policies
• Send regular class emails detailing learning activities and class events
• Meet with parents as needed to address and manage developmental or behavioral concerns
• Provide mentoring and coaching to Assistant Teachers
• Promotion and implementation of YMCA mission
• Serve as an ambassador for the YMCA by positively communicating about other YMCA programs

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve
others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s
point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalency
• Completion of at least two years of college education preferably in early childhood education.
• Minimum of 3 years previous child care experience required.
• The qualified candidate must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of 20 hours of training in early childhood and curriculum best practices annually.
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Completion of Basic Safety Series and Child Abuse Prevention trainings upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, team environment
• Model the YMCA character traits of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.