Early Learning Center Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Family YMCA of Black Hawk County’s Early Learning Center (ELC) is seeking Lead Teachers who have a love for working with children, ages 6 weeks to 5-years-old. You must be outgoing, motivated, compassionate, patient, creative, playful, and dependable. Under the direction of the Early Learning Center Director, and Assistant Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for carrying out the day to day classroom operations. Classroom teachers will be responsible for planning, leading program activities, conducting assessments with children through observation, snack and meal service, and communicating effectively with the children, their parents, YMCA/Head start personnel, and the center guest when needed. Teachers will also work cooperatively with the Director of Youth Development to provide day to day guidance to the Assistant Teachers.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Designs and implements dynamic age appropriate curriculum and lesson plans to meet the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of the children in your care.
• Responsible for classroom management, organization and cleanliness. Responsible for materials and day to day operations including state licensing requirements and classroom records.
• Train, coach and lead all assistant teachers in designated classroom. Maintaining communication with Director of Youth Development and Assistant Director to provide additional training support to assistant staff as needed.
• Collaborate with Director of Youth Development on assistant teacher’s progress during performance reviews.
• Maintain a professional attitude and be a team player.
• Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Communicate and partner with all parents and guardians to create the best plan for individual learning and growth
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the children, families, staff, Head start, state licensing authorities and community partners
• Conduct conferences in tandem with head start family support worker
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Have a willingness to be flexible and adaptable.
• Ensure diapering, potty training and taking children to the restroom is occurring as needed.
• Abide by all policies and procedures in place at the YMCA Early Learning Center.
• Support the mission of the YMCA and incorporate the YMCA character development values including Care, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in our daily routine while working with children, parents, and staff.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicant must have Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), Early Childhood Associates Degree or Early Childhood Bachelor’s Degree to be considered for this position.
• 1 to 2 years of experience working in an early childhood center is required.
• If applicant has none of the above, must be willing to obtain CDA and have at least one year of Lead Teacher experience in a licenced childcare center.
• Vast understanding of child development, ages and stages
• The candidate must successfully complete Mandatory reporter, blood borne pathogens, CPR/First Aid within the first 90 days of employment
• Complete other YMCA new employees orientation trainings within six months of hire.
• Clear Criminal Background check.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of children and individuals from all social and economic segments
• of the community.
• Basic Computer Competencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is sometimes required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, run, sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.