Certified Teacher - Preschool

About the Role

The Certified Teacher-Preschool serves as a member of the Montclair Y staff team, maintaining qualifications for teacher status as listed in the New Jersey Department of Education policy and Montclair Y’s standards. Under the direction of the Director and/or Assistant Director, this role is responsible for instructional, clerical, and classroom tasks, ensuring a safe, fun, and positive environment for participants. The teacher leads in the education, health, welfare, and safety of enrolled children while demonstrating commitment to the YMCA’s four Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Greet each child and parent upon arrival and visually scan for illness, disease, or physical impairment.
• Demonstrate warmth toward children, using a pleasant and calm speaking voice, and comfort children when needed.
• Plan and deliver instructional lessons aligned with Montclair School District’s objectives.
• Accompany children to outdoor play, fire drills, and other activities outside the classroom.
• Set up cots/mats in the classroom and reinforce skills using puppets, flannel boards, and manipulatives.
• Read and sing with the class daily and supervise fine and gross motor activities indoors and outside.
• Plan free play and afternoon activities, using positive reinforcement.
• Assist children in maintaining proper personal hygiene and prepare materials for lessons.
• Prepare learning centers and bulletin boards, serve snacks and meals, and maintain the classroom.
• Record and evaluate children's progress and communicate with parents and directors about issues.
• Attend required meetings and complete/maintain all classroom records.
• Mentor and supervise assistant teachers and adhere to policies related to boundaries with staff and participants.
• Attend Abuse Risk Management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors.
• Ensure proper sign-in/sign-out procedures for members, volunteers, and vendors.
• Attend workshops and pursue professional growth opportunities.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Director and adhere to Geyer Early Learning Center policies.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and professional environment, acting as a role model for children and parents.
• Assure the safety of Y members/participants and maintain the facility/program environments.
• Report accidents/incidents/emergencies immediately and follow YMCA confidentiality requirements.
• Plan, deliver, and maintain quality programs and follow YMCA best practices.
• Attend mandatory training, staff meetings, and stay updated on current trends in facilities and risk management.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must possess a NJ P-3 teaching certification or a Certificate of Eligibility.
• Must maintain certifications as required by the NJ Department of Education.
• Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma, and First Aid within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to take charge of a group of children and improvise activities/games as needed.
• Stamina and physical flexibility (walking, sitting, standing, bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, running, stretching, reaching, climbing, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs.).
• Ability to accompany children up and downstairs for activities such as outdoor play and fire drills.

Required Certifications

• NJ P-3 teaching certification or Certificate of Eligibility.
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma, and First Aid (must be obtained within 90 days of hire).

Skills

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise in early childhood education