Henson Early Learning Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA Early Learning Program Head Teacher will work directly with informal family, friend and neighbor caregivers and the children they care for twice weekly to provide quality school readiness experiences for both children and adults.  The teacher will work with the YMCA Program Director and Executive Director to develop partnerships in the community, outreach to caregivers, program development and implementation.  The teacher will also be responsible (along with the supervisor) for administering evaluation/assessment tools for assessment of the impact of the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Incorporate and model YMCA Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

1. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive early childhood program based on current research in child development.  Plans an environment and activities that facilitate the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language/linguistic development of children ages birth through five.
2. Submits monthly lesson plan to site supervisor for review.
3. Consistently interacts with all program participants creating a welcoming environment and modeling positive behavior which promotes growth in all developmental areas.  Understands and promotes positive child development practices.
4. Sets up and maintains the learning environment by arranging materials in appropriate, safe and attractive ways.  Uses and teaches universal health practices, following all health and safety guidelines established by the YMCA and facilitates cleaning/sanitizing of materials and equipment daily.
5. Keeps all legal documents, enrollment forms, attendance, and health records up to date.  Submits all required documents to site supervisor in a timely manner.
6. Order/purchase supplies and materials as needed.  Monitors supply level and places orders in a timely manner to replenish and maintain necessary materials to facilitate smooth operation of the program.   Monitors spending to meet budget limit.
7. Track and report on all required funding metrics (adding additional components for additional funding sources as needed)
8. Regularly gathers information about children’s and caregivers’ development using anecdotal notes/observations, completing all required tracking and reporting of participant growth and development as it relates to school readiness skills.
9. Works closely with supervisor to guide curriculum planning based on assessments for children and adults and to be aware of participants’ growth and development.
10. Works with supervisor to collaborate with neighborhood agencies, health, social services, and other professionals as necessary to provide appropriate referrals/services to families.
11. Leads efforts in recruiting, orienting and retaining participants.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Requirements for this program model will be aligned with YUSA Competency Model for leaders and/or state early learning requirements. http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/5FCFA874-2853-4247-ACC4-F11196C07F93/28860/CtrStffReq_jun11.pdf
2. Early childhood or related education and training. 
3. Experience working with young children and families
4. Experience or training facilitating groups.
5. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
6. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities with young children and caregivers. Must be able to set classroom up, including moving tables and chairs and lift up to 25 pounds.