The Heart of the Valley YMCA is seeking individuals passionate about working with children to join our Early Childhood Development Centers to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for assisting in developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote academic, social, emotional, cognitive development of each child enrolled in a pre-kindergarten class. Develops appropriate curriculum (lesson plan), assess children’s developmental growth and communicate it with the parents.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Communicate and promote the YMCA mission, goals and objectives to employees, volunteers and the community at large.
• Promote a safe and positive atmosphere during scheduled working hours.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Complete required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with children.
• Implement designated curriculum for age appropriate group in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the Heart of the Valley YMCA as well as DHR.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the program and lesson plans.
• Responsible for ensuring diverse program experience for children each day.
• Understand difference between discipline and punishment. Use positive verbal and non-verbal communication with children to build trusting and stable relationships.
• Ensure all children’s individual needs are met with dignity and respect.
• Assure that children’s equipment and supplies are arranged properly, orderly and kept in good condition.
• Assist children as they develop appropriate habits of eating, dressing, napping and toileting.
• Responsible for appearance, decoration and learning environment of the classrooms in accordance with policies of the YMCA and DHR.
• Responsible for keeping the program clean and sanitary to insure health and safety of all children.
• Keep a neat and clean appearance, in accordance with the standards set by the YMCA.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service provided at the Center.
• Assist in development, training and ongoing educational requirements through orientation, training and continued education opportunities.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with the children, parents, child development personnel, and agencies associated with the YMCA Association.
• Model, practice and carry out the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Responsible for any other duties as assigned by the Child Development Center Director.

EXPERIENCE/PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Willingness to carry out the mission of the YMCA and its programs.
• Ability to understand the concepts of mutual respect, caring, honesty, and responsibility in positive communications and interaction with children, parents and staff.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, as well as, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and utilize initiative, ability to be organized and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Work to continue personal competency through education, outside literature, seminars, etc.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS

• Be at least 19 years of age or older.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement program activities.
• Excellent skills in teaching, communication, and human relations.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Able to work as a team leader and builder/member.
• Has an educator presence in all situations.
• Able to work with diverse populations.
• Professional appearance and behavior.
• Able to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Able to research, analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Positive attitude.
• Adhere to drug free/tobacco free workplace policy.
• Desire to work in a YMCA setting in accordance with the YMCA mission.
• Has strong communication and organizational skills.
• Must pass a medical examination including TB Risk Assessment.
• Must pass criminal records check and pre-employment drug screen.