Infant/Toddler Teacher (West Side YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater New York, New York City’s leading nonprofit community service and wellness organization, is seeking a lead teacher for a Toddler or Infant classroom at the West Side YMCA.

About the role

With input and approval from the Early Childhood Director, the Infant/Toddler Teacher will implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of infants and toddlers. They will work within the framework of the Center’s program to carry out its functions, policies, and procedures, including student assessments, work sampling, individualized plans, and parent/family engagement. The Infant/Toddler Teacher will coach and support Assistant Teachers and Activity Specialists as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Support the planning of and lead the implementation of developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and activities.
• Facilitate lessons and activities, including, but not limited to, literacy, arts, math, cooking, science, outdoor/indoor recreation, field trips, etc.
• Develop classroom centers that respond to children’s interests and are coordinated with the ongoing curriculum.
• Facilitate student assessments and work sampling.
• Work with parents/guardians to promote understanding of the growth and development of their child. Effectively communicate with parents/guardians, verbally and in writing, throughout the school year.
• Encourage parent/guardian participation in special events, meetings, and in-class volunteer opportunities.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Early Childhood Learning Center and the YMCA Branch, and supervise Assistant Teachers, Early Childhood Specialists, and Volunteers.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, including, but not limited to, incident/accident/behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign-in/sign-out sheets, development/growth forms, documentation of eating and sleeping habits, parent/guardian surveys, etc.
• Ensure that all YMCA of Greater New York, Department of Health, and Department of Education (if applicable) guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.

Qualifications

Must have one of the below:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) and State Teacher certification.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and one year of experience.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (practicum included) and five years of experience.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and an APPROVED DOH study plan (before hire) leading to an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education within seven years.

Additional requirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including:

• Retirement benefits
• Medical coverage
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership

Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.