Toddler Lead Teacher Andover Early Learning Center

GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Program Director and/or Coordinator, the Teacher is responsible for meeting the developmental needs of children birth to five years of age in a group setting. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to supervising, educating, and supporting students to help them accomplish learning benchmarks. Their duties include plan lessons that target developmentally appropriate skills and concepts which coincide with the approved curriculum, manage classroom behavior to keep all students engaged in the lesson, and provide individual support and feedback for the students, conduct student assessment, facilitate parent teacher conferences and maintain parent relationship relationships for enrolled students. Teachers are responsible for daily attendance. Teachers guide and direct assistant teachers, classroom aids and volunteers assigned to their classroom.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience Requirements:

1. Minimum age of 18 years
2. Minimum Highschool Diploma / GED
3. Relevant experience, including a minimum of 3 months’ experience in early childhood education providing direct care and supervision to children of the same age and 3 semester hours of academic study or equivalent training in early childhood education 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The successful employee will demonstrate individual competence in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education
2. Knowledge of safety requirements pertaining to young children
3. Experience following curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 0-5
4. Ability to work with and provide direction to Assistant Teachers when appropriate
5. Effectively respond to questions from coworkers, parents, and Program Director in a timely manner
6. Ability to work independently without direct oversite
7. Possess the ability to be flexible

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Must be able to routinely perform the following physical activities as dictated by sport; run, jump climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand, walk, and perform moderate physical activity for extended periods of time, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity
2. Must possess mental alertness, problem solving and task management skills; ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment
3. Must demonstrate a high level of maturity, patience, dependability, sound judgment, and the desire to work with all ages
4. Must exhibit initiative
5. Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner
6. Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently and lead by assigned goals, duties, and deadlines
7. Must always present a neat and professional appearance

Job Requirements:

1. Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision and values
2. Must attend New Employee Orientation and meet applicable KDHE requirements within 30 days of hire
3. Complete Pediatric CPR/AED, Pediatric First Aid, Listen First Workshop, and KDHE Health and Safety training as applicable to current regulations and in accordance with Conditions of Employment
4. Understand and abide by all policies and procedures as set forth by the Wichita YMCA association
5. Ability to actively and effectively supervise participants and maintain safety standards
6. Ability to handle all questions and concerns and resolve conflicts in a courteous and professional manner

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning:

1. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities
2. Plan and turn into the Program Director supply needs as requested
3. Post current lesson plans in classroom weekly
4. Develop a daily schedule that provides a balance of active and quiet activities, as well as individual and group times

Program Operations:

1.     Effectively communicating the mission, vision, and values of the Wichita YMCA

2.     Develop and maintain positive, open relationships with families and coworkers, including successes and positive behaviors, as well as challenges

3.     Greet parents by name upon arrival and departure

4.     Document and communicate all concerns to the Program Director

5.     Conduct teacher conferences twice yearly as scheduled and more often as needed at parent or director’s request

6.     Facilitate classroom activities, participate, model, and observe as necessary

7.     Mentor student volunteers and model professional and appropriate child care practices, KDEHE regulations, and approved teaching methods

8.     Actively participate in and follow special needs or behavior plans of students

Classroom Organization:

1.     Manage all classroom supplies and equipment in a safe and organized manner

2.     Maintain the classroom environment to support smooth transitions and the independent learning of children

3.     Ensure all supplies and classroom items are stored neatly in all areas of the classroom, including but not limited children’s belongings and supplies, cubbies, centers, counter tops, and tops of shelves

4.     Follow the cleaning schedule, as posted and additional items as necessary

5.     Display all postings and children’s work in a neat and orderly manner

6.     Maintain complete familiarity with all risk management procedures and policies

7.     Keep an up-to-date inventory on all equipment, materials and supplies in the classroom

Strong Community Campaign:

1.     Engage and actively participate in annual campaign, including but not limited to solicitation of donations and facilitation of impact tours

Other:

1. Attend all required staff meetings and trainings
2. Follow program dress code
3. Maintain proper attendance. Unexcused absence over two in the year is considered excessive
4. Maintain confidentiality on a strict need-to-know basis, with parents, outside agencies and the general public
5. Meet or exceed all KDHE regulations, CACFP guidelines and in-service hours
6. Represent the YMCA well to all who come into contact with you and your program
7. Take concerns and complaints directly to the program director, thus eliminating unnecessary negativity and misunderstandings
8. Follow the Association’s Code of Conduct and Child Abuse Code of Conduct
9. Personify the YMCA’s Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all interactions with children, parents, co-workers, and the community