Toddler Lead Teacher

Benefits:

• Sign-On Bonus
• Free membership to any YMCA of Long Island Branch 
• YMCA program discounts
• Sick leave
• Referral Program (earn up to $200 for each)
• Retirement Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Incentives
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Leave Insurances

Position Summary:

The Lead Teacher, under the direction of the Child Care Director, is an experienced individual who will plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of all students in the classroom.   The Lead Teacher works within the YMCA Philosophy of Education to ensure a safe, warm and welcoming environment, while following policies and procedures. The Lead Teacher will conduct student assessments, create individualized plans, facilitate family engagement, oversee the Classroom Assistants, who aid in the execution of activities. Responsibilities also include communicating effectively with the parents/guardians by keeping them up to date on their children’s progress and providing a nurturing and caring environment for the children. The Lead Teacher maintains ratio and ensures the safety of children at all times.

Essential Functions:

• Implement and design curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
• Manage and fully supervise children, classroom, Teacher Assistants and all activities.
• Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child in classroom.
• Conduct parent conferences and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engage parents as volunteers.
• Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
• Mentor Teacher Assistants to enhance continued professional growth.
• Maintain all records including attendance, incident reports, daily logs, and parent sign in and out book, in compliance with HR procedures, state and other agency regulations as appropriate.
• Maintain classroom equipment, ensure healthy and safe classroom environment.
• Participate in YMCA special events.
• Model and enforce appropriate positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
• Participate in required trainings and workshops to continue to enhance professional growth. (As per NYS OCFS Regulations of 30 hours every 2 years.)
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Works with Child Care Director to determine and establish key goals annually.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
• Adhere to all NYS OCFS, Department of Health and YMCA of Long Island standards, expectations and regulations.
• Maintain hygiene habits in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Leadership Competencies:

• Inclusion
• Emotional Maturity
• Communication and Influence
• Functional Expertise
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field; or Child Development Associate Credential or other NYS-recognized credential, preferred is a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or Childhood Education. 
• Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a group setting, preferably with preschool age group.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of youth development principles.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
• Knowledge of birth to age five (5) in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
• Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management and effective parental communication.
• Knowledge of YMCA policies, procedures, and requirements as well as NYS OCFS, NAEYC, DOH, and CDC.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels including staff, parents, and community partners.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
• Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention, Health and Safety from NYS OCFS within 30 days of hire.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of outdoor/indoor settings.