POSITION PURPOSEAssist in planning and implementing daily program activities and curriculum for assigned classroom. Depending on position in classroom, may oversee classroom staff to ensure program quality. Ensure the safety, well-being and cognitive development of children. Engage and participate in all activities with the children. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSRead and be accountable for YMCA Policies, State Licensing Body (PA- DHS / NJ-NJ OOL) regulations, and Quality Rating System standards (Example: NAEYC, Keystone STARS, Grow NJ Kids, ACA).Supervise by being able to identify, SEE, HEAR, DIRECT and ASSIST to ensure the safety of each child in your direct care group at all times. Adhere to small group/ratio established by the state licensing agency. Accurately maintain attendance of the children in your care.Communicate effectively and timely with parents/guardians regarding children's program experience, progress (written as well as verbal). Maintain confidentiality, use sensitivity, and patience at all times.Provide quality Adult/Child interactions through engagement, positive and encouraging feedback, and asking open-ended questions. Always maintain age-appropriate verbal interaction guidelines; exercising patience.Maintain knowledge of GPY Association policies and procedures, risk management, safety practices and applicable laws.Know the YMCA mission and be able to articulate it.Ensure that centers are maintained with quality learning materials, organized accordingly in labeled containers associated with appropriate Learning Center.Attend team-planning meetings monthly or more as needed.Attend and renew as needed all trainings according to YMCA policies and licensing requirements, including but not limited to 6 hours of childcare related trainings annually as detailed in your training plan.Direct and maintain control of environments that build children’s self-esteem. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques for redirection as a form of behavior management.Accurately maintain daily attendance records, emergency contact binders, and allergy reports.Maintain compliant paperwork (timesheets, parent/guardian communication, incident reports, weekly reports, child observation reports). Implement curriculum for program; ensuring child centered and developmentally appropriate learning experiences within YMCA, State Licensing, and Quality Rating System guidelines. ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTSHigh School diploma or equivalent as defined in state licensing regulations.2 years’ verified child care experience OUR CULTUREAt the YMCA we value CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY in personal character and behavior and believe that they are essential to attaining our mission. OUR MISSIONTo improve lives by connecting people to health, well-being, and to each other.