ELC Lead Preschool Teacher - Botetourt YMCA

Under the direction of the Child Care Coordinator, the Preschool Teacher is responsible for the overall daily operations of their assigned classroom, as well as supporting the success of other preschool classrooms.    The Preschool Teacher holds responsibility for education, health, welfare and safety of the participants enrolled in their classroom and the center as a whole.  The Lead Preschool Teacher must demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA’s four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

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. Greet each child and parent upon arrival.
2. Visually scan each child upon arrival and check for illness, disease, or any physical impairment.  Note in daily report.
3. Demonstrate warmth toward children and set a positive example by always using a pleasant and calm speaking voice.
4. Comfort children when needed.
5. Evaluate each child’s needs.
6. Building upon the provided curriculum, plan lessons/activities in accordance with program goals and needs of children.
7. Establish clear objectives for each lesson.
8. Set up and change on a regular basis new learning centers in classroom.
9. Assist children in learning personal hygiene.
10.  Evaluate student progress and write semi-annual and annual reports on each child.
11.  Advise parents regarding child’s daily progress/problems/concerns.
12.  Conduct parent-teacher conferences once a year and on an “as needed” basis.
13.  Provide a “Parent Information” center in classroom to post important notices.
14.  Maintain a neat and organized classroom.
15.  Maintain daily attendance records.
16.  Attend required meetings and assist with activities as requested by the Child Care Coordinator.
17.  Provide for professional growth through attendance at workshops, courses and reading.
18.  Be fully aware of the policies of the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge and adhere to such guidelines daily.
19.  Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct yourself with professional integrity, respect the confidentiality of the families served and be an appropriate role model for the children/parents.
20.  Always maintain a safe environment.
21.  Supervise and monitor part-time staff.
22.  Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years old or older.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must have CDA.
• Must have at least one year of teaching experience in a group program for children under six years of age.
• Must be certified in CPR/First Aid/AED or obtain within 60 days of employment.
• Must have strong organizational and teaching skills including supervision, program development and experience working with children and adults.
• Must be able to take initiative, be flexible and creative.

Work Environment and 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.
• Stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist, bend; and talk to hear.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

The YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a Drug Free Workplace and is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

If you value a culture of excellence, transparency, servant leadership, and accountability, please apply at ymcavbr.org.