Early Childcare Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Childcare Lead Teacher is responsible for the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. The Lead Teacher plans and implements lessons, as well as supervises the activities in a curriculum that is in accordance with developmentally appropriate practices as defined by the state standards, DCFS regulations and the B.R. Ryall YMCA operational policies. This position requires active participation with the other members of the teaching team and parents to assess and address the needs of individual children and to ensure that the child’s and family’s needs are supported.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides day-to-day supervision to a classroom of children ages of 2–5 years old.

2. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum.

3. Shares weekly plans of activities with Director and communicates plans to parents appropriately.

4. Develops classroom centers that respond to children’s interest and are coordinated with the ongoing curriculum.

5. Develops and manages whole and small group activities that include, but are not limited to, literacy, math, music, games, art, science and gym.

6. Maintains accurate program documentation (incident/discipline/attendance/sign in and out).

7. Ensures the daily care of every child by following licensing guidelines and implementing organizational policies.

8. Communicates directly with parents and prospective parents to achieve success for the child.

9. Maintains a fun and interactive classroom that is clean and organized.

10. Attends in-person trainings and online coursework on child abuse and prevention.

11. Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations to leadership and follows mandated reporter requirements.

12. Other duties as assigned.

YMCA CORE VALUES:

Caring: Demonstrates a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being. Shows compassion, forgiveness, generosity and kindness.

Honesty: Tells the truth, demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness through actions that are in keeping with stated positions and beliefs. A person of integrity and fairness.

Respect: Treats others as they would like to be treated. Values the worth of every individual, including themselves. Shows acceptance, empathy, self-respect and tolerance.

Responsibility: Does what is right. Accountable for their choices of behavior and actions and promises. Shows commitment, courage, good health, service, professionalism and citizenship.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:
Mission Advancement: Models the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience.

Operational Effectiveness: Assists in the development of plans and manages best practices through engagement of teams. Holds themselves accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Continually strives for improvement and the pursuit of personal/professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 19 years of age.

2. Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).

3. 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses directly related to childcare and/or child development, from birth to age six OR

4. One year of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to childcare and/or child development, from birth to age six OR

5. Completion of credentialing programs approved by DCFS.

6. Must have the ability to communicate effectively with parents, children and other staff.

7. Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.

8. Applicants must have, or obtain, First Aid/CPR certification within the first 60 days of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.50 - $21.50 per hour

Expected hours: 38 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person