What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher Full Time position at YMCA OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD INC?
Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher
Under the direction of the Program Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining a warm, healthy environment to promote the total growth and well-being of the children in the program. Following is a list of responsibilities:
- Lead in the implementation of daily programs with attention to the needs of the children, including quality, health, safety, and cleanliness of environment.
- Ensure the health and safety of all children and staff including oral health programs by following the provisions in the Health Care Policy, Procedure Guide and Staff Handbook.
- Inform the Director of Early Education immediately on social, mental health, educational or medical services appear necessary for any child in the classroom, complete all required referral paperwork in a confidential manner and in strict compliance as established in the Family and Staff Handbook.
- Work with staff members in a positive and respectful manner to ensure coordination of all classrooms and programming.
- Supervise, coach, and mentor volunteers, substitutes, assistant teachers and teachers.
- Maintain positive nurturing and responsive interactions with children as a group and on a one-to-one basis.
- Maintain positive open parent communications including individual or group meetings.
- Share all environmental maintenance duties with fellow staff members and inform Director immediately of equipment needs, maintenance needs or safety concerns.
- Research for new ideas and/or trainings to improve on creativity, understanding children growth, development and enhancement to provide quality programming.
- Prepare and maintain all required records and reports in accordance with established procedures (Lesson Plan, Family Communication Documentation, Screenings, Observations and Assessments).
- Plan daily curriculum with teacher in accordance with all state and national requirements.
- Be prepared to participate in all children’s activities which include but are not limited to classroom activities, field trips, outdoor play, swim, gym, and family or special organizational events, including volunteer events.
- Provide enriched educational opportunities for children by drawing on community resources for additional programming.
- Attend mandatory trainings and meetings and complete trainings required by IPDP (Individual Professional Development Plan), Department of Early Education Care (EEC), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), implement the Creative Curriculum and Assessment protocol, the ASQ Screening Tool, and/or any additional training hours as required.
- Knowledge of new regulations, policies, procedures and initiatives.
This list of responsibilities is not meant to be all-inclusive and may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency and the Learning Center Program.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must minimally meet EEC Regulation 7.9 c (3) for Lead Teacher Certification.
- Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in EEC or related field for full-time, or an Associates’ Degree for part-time or a substitute.
- Must have, or be willing to earn, and maintain First Aid and CPR training.
- Comply with health requirements for staff according to EEC regulation 7.09 (11) and NAEYC standards.
- Strong knowledge of Word and Excel required.
Ability to work with a diverse population and exhibit core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
- Ability to learn, operate, and navigate various web-based platforms.
- Ability to direct and answer calls on a high-volume and multi-line phones.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, written, presentation and facilitation).
- Strong influencing ability, combined with a balance of analytical and pragmatic approach.
- Must be capable of working under pressure in a somewhat disruptive environment, while remaining professional and exhibiting an upbeat attitude.
- Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints and have attention to detail.
While performing the duties of this job, the staff member is regularly required to:
- Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- To push, pull, and/or lift up to 25 pounds.
Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, reference check, and new hire packet. In roles where driving is required as an essential function, a driver history check must also be successfully completed.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.
