LEAPP Trauma Informed Preschool Teacher

Summary

Learning Experiences Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents

As a member of the YWCA New Britain, and the Childcare team, the Teacher will collaboratively lead and work with their teaching team by participating in the planning and implementation of a program that provides a safe and healthy, rich learning environment supporting children who have experienced trauma. The teacher will use specialized training/knowledge to ensure the classroom follows best practice and meets the needs of children who have faced trauma. Ensure that accurate records of children’s attendance and monthly reports required for the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Attendance Initiative are kept. Provide appropriate communication with children, parents, staff, and volunteers by emphasizing the importance of communication, as well as, displaying a general knowledge of the YWCA programs and making referrals appropriately. Provide a positive role model for children, parents, and co-workers. Become familiar with the State of CT Child Care Licensing Regulations, School-Readiness requirements and NAEYC Accreditation standards. Observes and documents children’s developmental milestones for assessment. Participate in program and/or community family/child events. Teachers work with linguistically and culturally diverse populations and classroom environments are representative of that diversity. The YWCA is an equal opportunity employer.

Duties

• Becomes familiar the CT Early Learning Developmental Standards and CT Documentation and Observation Teaching Systems for planning and assessment. Performance reflects knowledge of these regulations, standards, and competencies.
• Provide opportunities for active exploration, experiences that are relevant and integrate across all domains of development, be intentional in promoting skill development, and provide opportunities for the children to benefit from diversity. Role model for your teaching team developmental appropriate practice.
• To remain a positive role model for staff by consistently following and working to ensure that others follow YWCA policies and procedures and quality standards including: Developmentally appropriate practices, DPH licensing regulations, NAEYC accreditation criteria, NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, CT-AIMH Training/Endorsements, CACFP grant requirements, School Readiness expectations, and any other applicable standards and/or initiatives.
• Supervise staff use of non-child contact time. Co-lead weekly team meetings
• To provide departmental leadership by remaining a professional and positive role model to all staff, parents/guardians, and children. This includes having strong communication and problem solving skills in addition to the ability to make quick, sound judgments.
• To provide administration with the timely accurate feedback of staff performance to assist with ensuring timely performance evaluations.
• To assist with the training and orientation of all new staff as requested.
• Provide coverage of driving responsibilities, as needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized room including toys, equipment, supplies, and bulletin boards to create a warm, welcoming environment appropriate for the ages of the children to be served. Maintain storage areas and safe, clean food service areas by helping with general housekeeping tasks. May delegate and monitor to ensure completion and accuracy.
• Must meet the required state licensing and school readiness required trainings for the position; implement the philosophies and techniques learned through training. Demonstrate increased understanding of developmentally appropriate activities and expectations of children at various age levels. Attend staff, personnel, and professional development meetings assigned, including, but not limited to, YWCA and childcare staff meetings
• Exercises confidentiality in regard to children, staff, and program.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
• To live the organization’s mission every day. This means to work to maintain an environment which creates respect for individual and family differences and seeks to provide equal opportunities for all.
• Manages time and attendance well. Flexibility in scheduling to meet needs of program.
• Follows the organizations policies and procedures.
• Follows safety policies, procedures, and regulations in addition to YWCA Childcare Policies, YWCA Childcare supervision Policy, and Positive Guidance Policy.
• Follows legal and ethical standards related to job responsibilities.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the necessary common and technical knowledge areas required for the position.
• Increase personal knowledge about individual, interpersonal and institutional levels of racism by actively participating in trainings and organizational or community-based committees.
• Seek input from program participants of various backgrounds on program environment and program elements.
• Support co-workers and work with diverse teams utilizing best practices to inspire better thinking and solutions.
• Monitor the use of supplies and equipment.
• Accept other responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education, social work or Child Study or a Bachelor degree with the completion of a minimum of 12 credits in Early Childhood Education. Must meet qualifications set by the CT Office of Early Childhood and be considered a Qualified Staff Member (QSM).
Experience: Minimum two years of experience in a NAEYC accredited preschool program and proven leadership skills preferred.
Age Requirements: Must be at least 19 years of age or older.

Nice To Haves

First Aid and CPR
Medication certificate

Benefits

Health insurance
Life insurance
Retirement Fund
Generous PTO