EEC Preschool Lead Teacher

Schedule & Pay

We are looking for a full-time teacher to fill the 8:45 am-5:45 pm shift Monday through Friday. Preschool is open from 7:45 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Friday. The WSY Preschool is open year-round but shifts to a summer camp setting in the summer months. You can learn more about our program HERE.

The hourly rate is $28.00-$33.00, depending on education, experience and certifications. Generous benefit package, including 12% retirement contribution once vested.

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. Transitions to a Camp Pikati leader for preschool aged children during the summer months. Models and demonstrates professional behaviors conducive to building a collaborative and inclusive working environment centered on a team-teaching technique that encourages and maintains high standards and expectations.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of all children during the school year.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate programming to meet the needs of camp Pikati during the summer months.
• Nurture children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Supervise the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Follows all procedures and standards.
• Active support of our DEIB statement and putting into practice our commitment to equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion.
• Cultivates positive relationships and conducts parent conferences during the school year.
• Maintains effective communication with parents.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Conduct child assessments and report outcomes to families during the school year.
• Maintains required program records.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including camp Pikati training for the summer months.
• Plans and implements program activities that is culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to YMCA, state and local (Early Education & Care, Department of Public Health) standards including safety and cleanliness.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings, including summer camp training.
• Follows YMCA and EEC policies and procedures during the school year and YMCA and Department of Public Health in the summer, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
• Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child during the school year.
• Maintains required program records.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including camp Pikati training for the summer months.
• Plays an active role in the YMCA's anti-racism efforts and shares this commitment with members.

Qualifications & Experience Needed

• 3 credits in Child Development coursework, plus 9 credits in three different categories of study within Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum 9 months of previous experience if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Minimum of 18 months of previous experience if you have an Associate’s degree in related field or Bachelor’s degree in unrelated field.
• Minimum of 27 months of previous experience if you have an EEC certificate or an Associate’s degree in an unrelated field.
• Minimum of 36 months of previous experience if you have a high school diploma.
• Child CPR, First Aid, AED certifications obtained within 30 days of hire date.
• EEC Lead Teacher Certification.
• Committing to support and further our anti-racist work as an organization.
• Learning about our initiatives and the continuous work and being able to vocalize with members if needed.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities with other staff team members.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Possesses good judgment, specifically when making educational decisions.
• Maintains a positive, calm but enthusiastic attitude at all times.

Benefits

The West Suburban YMCA offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid vacation & holidays, group health with vision & drug prescription, dental & life insurance, paid retirement once vested, YMCA membership, access to child care services, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.