Overview

The Early Learning Teacher, Head Start shall assist in the day to day responsibilities in accordance with licensing, Head Start performance standards and YMCA standards.

$500 Sign-On Bonus*

Available Positions

Year Round - 12 month position

10 Months - 10 month position (summers off); Additional summer hours available across Y programs if desired. 

YMCA Head Start Benefits

• Paid professional development training
• FREE Y family membership
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Medical/Vision/Dental
• Y Retirement Fund

*Sign On Bonus is for new associates and is paid in two increments after the first paycheck.

OUR CULTURE: 

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of child growth and development, early childhood education and family support.
• Promote and support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Establish and maintain an appropriate classroom learning environment and daily routine, supervising with attention to standards of health, safety, organization, and aesthetics.
• Lead and model professionalism and teamwork within the teaching team and the site.
• Develop and maintain supportive, professional relationships with children and their families to enhance parent education, communication, involvement and advocacy.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and implement lesson plans and lead the teaching team in planning and implementing curriculum and assessment.
• Assure that learning experiences are developmentally appropriate
• Observe and document children’s learning and development on an ongoing and consistent basis..
• Establish and maintain respectful, responsive relationships with children and follow daily routines and activities 
• Ensure that site-appropriate health, safety, and sanitation guidelines are followed.
• Conduct and document formal coaching sessions and performance appraisals annually, as well as 45- and 90-day appraisals for new hires.
• Coach and mentor Teacher Assistants to support them in meeting work and professional development goals, to encourage positive performance and effort, and to address performance improvements needed.
• Manage daily classroom activities in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and State Licensing requirements. 
• Maintain certification and stay current with all requirements for Infant/Child CPR and First Aid.
• Participate in all required training and attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education/professional development annually
• Conduct and document parent/ teacher conferences and/or home visits held at least four times per year

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor's degree with 18 credits of Early Childhood Education.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education strongly preferred.
• Minimum three years’ experience working in an early childhood classroom setting preferred
• Have the ability to complete multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Perform daily activities while planning for and moving toward long term objectives
• Work well both independently and collaboratively with others
• Good written and oral communication skills