Early Learning / Preschool Teacher

About the role

As a Teacher at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children ages 1 through 5 years. Through developmentally appropriate practices, relationship-based teaching, and play-based learning, you will support each child's cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. Working collaboratively with families and fellow teachers, you will foster school readiness, encourage a lifelong love of learning, and ensure a high-quality early learning experience while upholding the YMCA's mission and core values.

Essential Functions

Curriculum Preparation and Implementation

• Prepare and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Create engaging and inclusive learning experiences that incorporate play-based and hands-on activities.
• Adapt curriculum to meet the individual needs and interests of children in the classroom.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment conducive to learning and exploration.
• Manage classroom routines and transitions effectively, promoting independence and self-regulation among children.
• Foster a positive classroom culture based on the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Child Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Conduct ongoing assessment of children’s development and learning through observation, documentation, and informal assessments.
• Maintain accurate records of children’s progress and communicate with parents/guardians regarding their child’s development.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for growth and support individualized learning goals.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Establish positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians, providing regular communication and opportunities for involvement in the classroom and program.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, workshops, and events to support family engagement and education.
• Engage with the broader community to enhance the preschool program’s resources and opportunities for children and families.

Professional Development

• Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the job, staying informed about best practices, research, and trends in early learning.
• Pursue opportunities for further education in early learning.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Meet the minimum qualifications for “Lead Teacher” as defined by the VA Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety.
• Staff shall be in good character and reputation.
• CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire.
• Completes all pre-employment requirements including background checks.
• Adequate speaking, hearing and writing skills appropriate for interacting with children required.
• Ability to be on time, every time for scheduled shifts required.
• Ability to work at various program locations preferred.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

This position operates in an educational, childcare, and community-based environment and regularly interacts with children, families, team members, leaders, and other stakeholders. The role requires frequent walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, pushing, and other physical movement associated with supervising and engaging children in classroom and program activities. The employee must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds and may be required to stand or sit for prolonged periods. The position requires continuous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks in an active environment. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors and may involve exposure to wet, cold, hot, and/or humid weather conditions, as well as cleaning supplies. The employee must be physically able to successfully complete and maintain required certifications. During peak program seasons, flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required based on program and organizational needs. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

Wage Range: $13.00 - $18.00 hourly