MECK Pre-K Teacher: Stratford Richardson YMCA

The MECK Pre-K Teacher is a compassionate, energetic, and nurturing educator responsible for supervising a classroom of students and delivering a developmentally appropriate learning experience in accordance with state and YMCA guidelines. Working collaboratively with an assistant teacher, the MECK Pre-K Teacher plans and implements learning activities that fosters academic, emotional, physical, and social growth to prepare children for kindergarten. This role also promotes strong partnerships with families and supports the connection between home and school.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction
meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy. We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the
needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

• • Plans and implements engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that align with MECK Pre-K
curriculum and NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.

• • Fosters a safe, inclusive, and developmentally supportive classroom environment.
  • Provides consistent, positive guidance and teaches appropriate social-emotional behavior.
Establishes and maintains expectations and routines for classroom and behavior management.

• • Observes, assesses, and documents each child’s progress to inform instruction and meet individual needs.
  • Complete ongoing formative assessments and maintain required documentation using approved MECK Pre-K tools.
  • Modifies instructional strategies and materials to support the individual needs of students.
• Works collaboratively with YMCA, and MECK Pre-K colleagues to develop student support plans as needed, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
  
  • Establishes and maintains strong relationships with families through regular communication and
  involvement.
  
  • Works collaboratively with an Assistant Teacher and provides clear guidance on how to support
  instruction and classroom routines.
  
  • Work collaboratively with the Assistant Teacher and center leadership to ensure compliance with YMCA policies, MECK Pre-K and DCDEE regulations.
  • Maintain accurate records and reports in accordance with program guidelines and licensing standards.
  • Participates in required professional development, coaching, and licensure progress.
  • Ensures the physical environment and classroom materials meet sanitation and safety regulations.
  • Attends family engagement events and supports center-wide initiatives as needed.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

• B-K licensure must have at least an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child

Development, or a related field with a minimum 2.7 GPA, and be enrolled in an approved
Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

• Must complete at least 6 semester credits annually with a grade of "C" or better until B-K

licensure is earned

• Minimum of 1 year of experience teaching preschool-aged children, preferably in an NC

Pre-K or MECK Pre-K classroom is preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Creative Curriculum, NC Foundations, and best practices in

early childhood education.

• Demonstrated ability to create nurturing, structured, and engaging classroom

environments.

• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively with

families and colleagues.

• Passion for working with preschool-aged children and supporting kindergarten readiness.
• Must pass all required background checks, health screenings, and DCDEE requirements.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Working Conditions

• Indoor classroom setting with outdoor activities throughout the day.
• Requires lifting, bending, sitting on the floor, and interacting with children at their level.
• May lift up to 40 lbs regularly.
• Possible exposure to illness common to young children.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours required for family events, training, or staff meetings.
• Use of technology for documentation and parent communication may be required.

Competencies

• EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
  all situations
• DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
• FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
• COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here:

Please Note:

• This is a 10 Month Position