Full-Time Lead Childcare Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Child Care Teacher at Penobscot Bay YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises the children, classroom, and all program activities.
• Develop and implement age appropriate, educational lessons on a daily basis using observations, curriculum guidelines and goals for classroom and individual progress and needs.
• Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the Y; makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Be aware of and adhere to all YMCA policies, DHHS licensing regulations, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; conducts parent/caregiver conferences; connects families to the Y.
• Participate in basic housekeeping duties during classroom time.
• Attends and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Program/Project Management

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.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds multiple times each day.
• Frequent twisting, bending, and kneeling.
• Exposure to the outdoor environment during all seasons
• With reasonable accommodations be able to see and hear well enough to respond to classroom needs.
• Control unsafe behavior if necessary.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 21 years of age
• Must have at least one of the following requirements:
• BS/BA in Early Childhood education
• AA/AS in Early Childhood Education
• AA/AS in a related field with eighteen credit hours in Early Childhood Education and three years direct child care experience
• BS/BA in a related field with eighteen credit hours in Early Childhood Education and three years direct child care experience
• Possess a CDA (Child Development Associate) or MRTQ Infant/Toddler Credential
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate
• program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

BENEFITS

• Paid Time-Off/PTO (80 hours in first year, 120 hours after first anniversary)
• Paid Holidays - 12 per year
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 50% discount on child care program fees
• 20% discount on other Y programming
• Generous Retirement program with 10% match from the Y after 2 years of service.
• Free annual family membership to both the Rockport and Rockland YMCA ($960/year value).
• This position currently receives a $275 monthly BONUS from the State of Maine, in addition to base pay.