Lead Teacher

Careers

CAREERS INSPIRED TO LEAD
SIYMCA has a rewarding opportunity as a Lead Teacher. We know that providing a caring and supportive environment for our members begins and ends with our employees. We are looking for passionate people to join our team. We will offer a great place to work, a collaborative team environment, and resources to support your personal and professional development.

About the Role

In harmony with the YMCA mission, and the YMCA Learning Center Philosophy, the lead teacher shall plan and implement activities to promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the children in her/his care. Must have the capacity to understand and follow state regulations related to those regulations pertinent to the lead teacher’s classroom and care of those children.

Responsibilities

• Understand and base practice on licensing regulations, Paths to QUALITY, NECPA regulations and the Family Engagement Toolkit
• Establish and maintain a friendly rapport with members/parents
• Keep parents informed of child’s progress by daily communication as well as parent/teacher conferences
• Plan and promote family engagement activities
• All incidents are properly documented and communicated
• Show respect for peers and management
• Follow the NECPA Ethical Code of Conduct
• Collect observational data through multiple methods to create differential learning experiences
• Prepare and follow lesson plans and activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children in his/her care
• Curriculum is based on best practice and most current evidence-based research
• Be prepared with the materials required for the daily planned activities
• Plan activities that challenge and aid the development of the whole child
• Address all domains including, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Emotional skills, Approaches to Play and Learning, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts and Physical Growth and Health
• Provide a balance of large and small group activities and opportunities for individual exploration in learning centers
• Be an active participant during center play to engage and enhance learning experience
• Practice appropriate discipline techniques as established by NECPA and state licensing
• Designate location for child’s belongings
• Area is kept clean and tidy
• Provide opportunities for a rest period as governed by state licensing
• Provide quiet activities to children who do not sleep or wake up early
• Maintain classroom ratios and follow attendance procedures
• Ensure that all medication dispensing procedures are followed appropriately
• Respond immediately to children who are expressing any form of distress
• Follow all YMCA, NECPA and state regulations regarding safety and hygiene procedures
• Assist children with hygiene and self-help needs in a safe and appropriate manner
• (In diapering and younger classrooms, lifting children up to 50 pounds will be required)
• Direct emergency procedures such as fire and tornado drills
• Maintain all classroom areas in a proper and clean manner, clean classroom and equipment, outside play areas, restrooms, counter tops and motor room
• Complete and submit all records as required
• Attend staff meetings, training, and center events as scheduled
• Maintain state and Paths to QUALITY training requirements
• Comply with all YMCA policies and procedures
• Maintain an acceptable attendance record
• Other duties assigned as necessary for job well done.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• 2 years job related experience required
• Must meet licensing requirements for Lead Teacher role
• Must hold Child Development Associate (CDA) or be currently enrolled and in the process of acquiring a CDA
• An Associate Degree or higher in early childhood education is preferred
• If caring for children 6 weeks through 23 months, must be at least 21 years of age
• Strong communication skills required, both verbal and written
• Certified in Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid within 30 days of hire and maintained throughout employment
• Competent computer skills in Microsoft Word and picture software are also preferred

Qualifications

• None specified

Skills

• None specified

Benefits

We Offer
Full-Time Status
Paid Time Off & Holiday pay
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits program (Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Company Paid Employee Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Parental Leave)
403(b) retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution
Paid Family Membership
Childcare Discount
Discount on SIYMCA Programs
Part-Time + Status
Paid Time Off & Holiday pay
403(b) retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution if minimum eligibility requirements are met
Childcare & Membership Discounts
Discount on SIYMCA Programs
Part-Time Status
Membership Discount
Discount on SIYMCA Programs

What Sets Us Apart

• Employee Development: We offer professional development opportunities through on-site education sessions and TEACH Scholarships available to eligible employees for the pursuit of an early childhood education degree or certification.
• We Take Care of Our Team: Our comprehensive benefits plan offers resources for team members to maintain emotional, physical, and financial well-being.
• We Support Each Other: Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We carry that mission through to our team in offering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• We Celebrate Each Other: We work hard to support our communities and encourage our progress along the way. We offer team building and employee recognition programs that energize and inspire our work individually and as a team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SIYMCA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity of expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.