Preschool Teacher

About the Role

To follow the planned curriculum and the direction of the Director. Supervise groups of preschool-age children, ensuring all individual needs are met with dignity and respect while maintaining safety by adhering to YMCA policies and procedures. Model and practice the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are:

• Welcoming: open to all, a place where you can belong and become.
• Genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
• Hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
• Nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
• Determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Entry Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Obtain hands-on Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Food Handler’s Card.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• And one of the following:
  • A. Completion of 20 credits (semester system) or 30 credits (quarter system) of training at a college or university in any child education or development program.
  • B. A one-year state or nationally-recognized credential for preschool-age children.
  • C. At least one year of qualifying teaching experience, with at least one year as a teacher, in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program, in the care of preschool-age children.
  • D. Completion of 10 credits (semester system) or 15 credits (quarter system) of training at a college or university in any child education or development program, AND at least six months of qualifying teaching experience in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program, in the care of preschool-age children.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
• Must be physically capable of lifting 40 pounds.
• Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.

Responsibilities

Curriculum Planning

• Assist Director with implementation of daily lessons and curriculum.
• Must have a basic understanding of child development.
• Teach children self-help skills and provide opportunities for independence.
• Initiate activities and experiences that focus on all areas of development with consideration given to each child’s individual needs.
• Follow written weekly lesson plan that will be posted and used as a daily guide.

Health and Safety

• Must know where all children enrolled in the program are at all times.
• Follow snack protocol and post menu.
• Care properly for program equipment and check daily for safety.
• Equipment will be organized, stored safely, and easily accessible to children and staff.
• Indoor and outdoor space is monitored daily for health and safety concerns.
• Any health and safety concerns are to be reported immediately.
• Children are in your line-of-sight, and you always have proximity control. Anticipate where you need to be and what you need to do to prevent problem situations.
• Follow all YMCA Safety protocols.

Behavior Management

• Must understand the difference between discipline and punishment.
• Establish supportive relationships with children and implement developmentally appropriate techniques of behavior and group management.
• Use positive verbal and non-verbal communication with children to build trusting and stable relationships.
• Set and consistently communicate limits for acceptable behavior with logical, relevant, and immediate consequences.

Other Management Duties

• Ensure that Site Aide is supervised within sight and sound, and ratios are maintained.
• Take lead of Site when a director is absent from program.

This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management. Must be able to pass a vigorous background check and have reliable transportation.