Early Childhood Teacher

Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job—you’ll enjoy the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Learning Circle YMCA, a branch of the Summit Area YMCA (SAY), is seeking enthusiastic early childhood teachers to help take our daycare and early education programs to the next level. The Teacher is responsible for ensuring our children’s daily physical, social, mental development and well-being while in our care. Teachers supervise children as they learn and play, provide comfort and reassurance, plan stimulating activities, and keep children clean and safe. The position requires a professional commitment to the philosophy of the YMCA’s programs and to meeting the needs of its children and families.

Positions are available in Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, and Pre-K.

This year-round program runs Monday- Friday, 7:30am – 6:00pm with a flex schedule, 40 hours weekly.

You Might Be the Right Candidate if you:

• Love working with young children and have prior classroom experience
• Embody the meaning of patience is a virtue
• Have strong leadership, planning and organization skills
• Are creative and encouraging of others
• Communicate effectively and can make anyone laugh
• Are a people person and can connect with those of diverse social and economic backgrounds

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe we’re stronger when we come together.

• Infant Caregivers need a minimum of a High School diploma/ GED or equivalent.; Toddler, Preschool and Pre-K Teachers must have a minimum of a CDA credential or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year of prior classroom experience in a licensed childcare center or school setting
• Have strong leadership, communication, planning and organization skills
• Are 18 years of age or older

• Planning, supervising and coordinating the program curriculum in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA.
• Being responsible for the safety of the children in the program at all times.
• Effectively developing and carrying out weekly lesson plans that fit children’s needs and interests.
• Documenting attendance, absenteeism and incidents for each child in compliance with state licensing requirements.
• Effectively communicating verbally and in writing with parents throughout the year.
• Attending staff meetings and in-service training programs to meet educational and state requirements.
• Being responsible for the classroom's appearance and maintaining the quality of supplies, equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Planning monthly snack menus.
• Assume other duties as requested by the director.

Change Leadership: Seeks to understand and support change efforts.

Collaboration: Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members or program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization.

Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.

Functional Expertise: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Uses best practices, guidelines, and industry standards as a framework to improve performance. Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in the technology associated with the job. Serves with purpose and passion.

Emotional Maturity: Acts in alignment with personal and organizational values in all situations. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy, anticipating how actions and words impact others. Operates with openness and a willingness to receive ongoing feedback from all levels of the organization.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range for this role is $18.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on experience. This Full Time position (40 hours per week) is Monday- Friday, 7:30am – 5:30 with a flex schedule.

The Summit Area YMCA offers generous employee benefits including subsidized medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, paid vacation, sick and holiday time, a free YMCA family membership, discounts on Y programs and services including child care, continued professional development training, and 12% salary contribution to your retirement plan upon eligibility.