Lead Educator

About This Role

Join the support team at YWCA NETN and SWVA in Bristol, TN as a Lead Educator. This role pays $14/Hr and requires relevant professional experience.

What You'll Do

• Develops and implements a comprehensive childcare program that aligns with the center's policies and philosophy, ensuring the well-being and safety of children at all times.
• Fosters a positive and respectful environment, treating each child with dignity and respect, and helping them develop essential life skills.
• Maintains the physical and emotional needs of children throughout the day, including feeding, diapering, toilet training, comforting, guidance, naptime, play, and learning/lessons.
• Provides medical care as needed, considering individual children's needs, interests, handicaps, special talents, and cultural backgrounds.
• Designs and implements a multi-age and developmentally appropriate program that incorporates various activities, such as dramatic play, block/manipulative, gross/fine motor, arts/crafts, music/movement, language, math/science, indoor/outdoor activities, and more.
• Communicates effectively with parents, providing daily updates on their child's activities and performance, and evaluates child progress through biannual Developmental Checklists.
• Identifies and addresses behavioral issues, taking corrective action when necessary, and maintains accurate records of child behavior and development.
• Develops and submits lesson plans, including TN ELDS documentation, to the Assistant Director/Director in advance of each month or week.
• Captures and assigns tasks to volunteers, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Classroom and Program Management

• Maintains a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment, adhering to Three Star criteria and ensuring the well-being of all children.
• Accurately documents and records attendance, meals, accidents, medications, activity sheets, and other essential information.
• Reports any maintenance or repair needs to the relevant authorities, maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Participates in housekeeping duties, both indoors and outdoors, and ensures the classroom is adequately stocked with necessary supplies and materials.
• Attends required staff meetings, participates in recommended training programs, and maintains a high level of professional growth, including CPR and First Aid certification.
• Implements effective strategies for utilizing Educational Assistants, ensuring a positive and productive working environment.
• Represents the Lead Educator position and the YWCA in a welcoming and professional manner, engaging with guests and collaborating with staff and volunteers.
• Maintains a positive, flexible, and cooperative relationship with all staff and volunteers, ensuring effective teamwork and communication.
• Assists the Director and Assistant Director in supervising classroom staff and volunteers, ensuring the smooth coordination of all activities and plans.
• Complies with State of Tennessee Licensure Rules and reports any noncompliance with YWCA policies and procedures, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Director or Assistant Director.

Requirements

• Complies with YWCA policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Adheres to policy on Drug Free Workplace.
• Works in a safety-conscious manner which ensures that safe work practices are used in order not to pose a risk to self or others in the workplace. Reports any safety violations or hazards to supervisor.
• Interacts in a tactful, diplomatic, and humanistic manner with children, families, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers to provide a safe, efficient, and caring environment which ensures self-respect, personal dignity, rights, and physical safety of each person.
• Maintains a dependable attendance record and adheres to standards of cleanliness, grooming, hygiene, and dress code.
• Takes positive action to ensure equal opportunity in the conduct of all business activities without regard to race, color, region, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, citizenship, veteran status or any other legally protected category.

Physical Demands

• Walking, standing, talking and hearing.
• Ability to routinely lift children, move furniture in an early childhood classroom and sustain long hours of active work for 8 hours or more.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• The agility to move quickly and keep pace with toddlers.

Mental Demands

• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Ability to remain alert and energetic for 8 hours or more.

Nice to Have

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience working with young children, particularly in a childcare setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including children, families, and colleagues.

Benefits

Common Questions:

• What is the education required for this position?
• This Lead Educator role requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• What does this position pay?
• This Lead Educator role pays $14/Hr.
• Is this full-time or part-time?
• This job is Full Time.
• Where is YWCA NETN and SWVA located?
• YWCA NETN and SWVA is located at 106 State Street, Bristol, TN.