Child Development Center Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Teacher is responsible for supervising early childhood participants and implementation of the program designed for Early Preschoolers (2 ½ -3 ½ years) and Preschoolers (3 ½ - 5 years). The Lead Teacher is responsible for direct leadership of a classroom, including but not limited to implementation of the curriculum; adaptations to curriculum to meet student needs; student observations, developmental assessments and reports; supervision of assigned teachers and/or aides; and parent communication. They must ensure a warm, nurturing, safe and loving environment, where self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged, and individuality respected. They are also responsible for providing a program that fosters children’s social, physical, spiritual and mental growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE

• Develop and implement program activities that provide youth with experiences in the developmental areas of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual.
• Plan all daily activities and weekly themes in a developmentally appropriate manner, making use of the resources available to you, including but not limited to: High Scope Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, CATCH, HEPA, etc.
• Ensure the program is creative and stimulating and developmentally and age appropriate. Incorporate Character Development and 40 Developmental Assets into the daily program.
• Provide and ensure continuous supervision at all times, including during play and game activities with children, as to maintain order and discipline.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for all people’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
• Keep the safety of children as the priority; know how to recognize suspected child abuse and neglect and implementing reporting procedures, as required by the State of Michigan and the Ann Arbor YMCA.
• Prepare the classroom environment to enhance each participant’s learning through active exploration and interaction with adults, peers, and materials in learning centers such as dramatic play, blocks, science, math, games/puzzles, books, music, etc. as outlined by the curriculum and NAEYC.
• Effectively communicate in a pleasant and positive manner with children, families, YMCA members and YMCA staff members.
• Use abilities such as attention to detail, multitasking, and strong oral, auditory and written communication skills to interact with adults and children daily.
• Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.

BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Medical, dental, vision, Life, short-term and long-term disability
• PTO
• retirement plan

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 19 years old or older.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• An associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development-family studies, early childhood special education, or elementary education with a concentration in early childhood education is preferred.
• At least one-year of experience working with early childhood aged youth is required; two years is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, and an ability to work in a team-setting are required.
• Must have certification in infant, child and adult CPR and First Aid.
• An interest and ability in developing and implementing creative programming with the goal of teaching YMCA core values is necessary.
• A patient, high-energy, and goal-oriented attitude is essential.
• Ability to be responsive to the needs, wants, and interests of both the parents and youth enrolled in the Early Childhood Programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift/assist in lifting an average size child up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.