Early childhood Nature Play Teacher

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit to strengthen the community.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Department Director to promote healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.
• Works closely with the Department Director to create and execute campaigns, programs, and/or curriculum for the advancement of the YMCA while ensuring safety, licensing standards, and the YMCA's reputation and providing the highest level of customer service.
• Collaborates with other staff and leads assistants in preparation, setup, and delivery of quality lesson plans and activities in a structured, positive learning environment that fosters exploration and creativity.
• Supervises and actively engages with children in class and on the playground, manages group dynamics to minimize disruptive behavior, and fosters positive social skills.
• Affords assistance to children with dressing, grooming, and toilet training while providing emotional support and guidance.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment and keeps storage areas organized.
• Affords assistance with cleaning as needed to assure children and families are entering a welcoming environment.
• Ensures proper hygiene and sanitization, including regular handwashing for children and staff, sanitizing food preparation and serving areas, disinfecting toys and surfaces, and properly disposing of diapers.
• Follows DHHS Childcare Licensing rules and safe sleep protocols in accordance with Childcare Licensing and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Conducts regular safety checks to remove hazards and makes ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Follows all YMCA procedures and standards.
• Ensures children & staff are properly checked in/out of classrooms.
• Maintains accurate attendance records and sign-in/out sheets daily.
• Documents all incidents and accidents in appropriate locations.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with children and their guardians, using positive language and active listening to address concerns.
• Greets children and families warmly each day.
• Communicates positively with guardians when sharing behavior and developmental concerns.
• As a Mandated Reporter, recognizes signs of abuse or neglect and reports to supervisor and the appropriate authorities.
• Monitors children for signs of illness and document as per policy.

Non-Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Performs other tasks and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the 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.
• Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Experience And Skill Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in a related field.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Team player, with superb interpersonal skills.
• An ability to work with co-workers and the public in a positive and friendly manner and resolve conflicts as needed.
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task, work independently, and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
• General computer skills with the ability to effectively learn and use new software.
• MRTQ certifications within 30 days of hire.
• 18+ years old.

Essential Education Requirements

• A high school degree or GED or working towards completion of high school.

Benefits

The health and wellness of our staff is paramount, so we foster a culture of healthy living amongst our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes retirement, health/dental, disability, 2X life insurance benefit, YMCA membership, and program discounts.