Position Summary:

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Preschool Teacher at the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA provides direct supervision and leadership to a group of children ages 3-5 years old. This is a Part Time position with opportunity to grow into a Full Time position. The Preschool Teacher is responsible for providing a program that fosters children’s social, physical, spiritual, and mental growth. The Preschool Teacher assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training. 

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Positively and proactively communicates with and responds to supervisor, staff, program participants, and parents.
• Ensures that program participants, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe.
• Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to program participants, remains aware of surroundings, and actively participates in all program activities.
• Prepares activities so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop talents.
• Assists and tutors children individually and in small groups under lead or head teacher’s guidance to help master material and reinforce learning outcomes.
• Develops schedules and routines to ensure children have enough physical activity, rest, and playtime and overall positive outcomes.
• Watches for signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and brings problems to the attention of parents.
• Keeps records of the students’ progress, routines, and interests, and keeps parents informed about their child’s development.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the rule of three.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on Child Care programs and member engagement that fosters loyalty among those we serve. 
• Follows all Office of Early Childhood and YMCA Child Care procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, supervision of children, child care discipline, policy drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Knows, reviews, and enforces all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, completes related reports as required.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

Experience, Education, and Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate or higher degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related major (child development, elementary education, early childhood special education).
• ECTC credential is awarded at two levels:
• Associate's Degree level with an endorsement(s) Infant/toddler/Preschool or
• Bachelor's Degree level with an endorsement(s) Infant/toddler/Preschool.
• Upon hire must have documentation of a physical examination and a TB Tine Test, to be repeated every two years.
• Transcript reflecting an earned BA or higher degree in ECE or related major; OR diploma reflecting that a BA or higher degree was completed and that lists the ECE or related major.
• Must submit Office of Early Childhood Background Check and fingerprinting forms within 30 days of hire.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure and or when challenged by others or when working with children that display challenging behaviors.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support members.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency, adaptable and flexible to the programs needs.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Possesses organizational skills.

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete online New Employee Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention, Mandated Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication, and Employee Safety trainings within the first ninety (90) days.
• Connecticut Child Care CPR/First aid certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire and maintained.
• Administration of Medications certification is preferred.
• Continue professional development as outlined in the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing requirements (complete hours of training equal to or greater than 20% of hours worked) as well as any/all training required by the YMCA and other accrediting agencies.