EEC Preschool Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. Transitions to a Camp Pikati leader for preschool aged children during the summer months. Models and demonstrates professional behaviors conducive to building a collaborative and inclusive working environment centered on a team-teaching technique that encourages and maintains high standards and expectations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of all children during the school year.
2. Design and implement developmentally appropriate programming to meet the needs of camp Pikati during the summer months.
3. Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
4. Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.
5. Active support of our DEIB statement and putting into practice our commitment to equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion.  Continue to think about strategies to support diversity goals of the organization. 
6. Model early childhood best practices and positive classroom management techniques during the school year and positive day camp techniques during the summer months.

1. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child during the school year.
2. Cultivates positive relationships and conducts parent conferences during the school year.
3. Maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
4. Maintains program site and equipment.
5. Conduct child assessments and report outcomes to families during the school year.
6. Maintains required program records.
7. Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including camp Pikati training for the summer months.
8. Plans and implements program activities that is culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
9. Adheres to YMCA, state and local (Early Education & Care, Department of Public Health) standards including safety and cleanliness.
10. Attends staff meetings and trainings, including summer camp training.
11. Follows YMCA and EEC policies and procedures during the school year and YMCA and Department of Public Health in the summer, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
12. Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
13. Is a mentor and role model to teachers, teacher assistants and camp staff.
14. Break times may vary due to the needs of the program.  Local and federal labor laws are always followed.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED: 

1. 3 credits in Child Development coursework, plus 9 credits in three different categories of study within Early Childhood Education.  
2. Minimum 9 months of previous experience if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in related field
   1. Or minimum of 18 months of previous experience if you have an Associate’s degree in related field or Bachelor’s degree in unrelated field
   2. Or minimum of 27 months of previous experience if you have an EEC certificate or an Associate’s degree in an unrelated field.
   3. Or 36 months of previous experience if you have a high school diploma. 
3. Child CPR, First Aid, AED certifications obtained within 30 days of hire date.
4. EEC Lead Teacher Certification.
5. Committing to support and further our anti-racist work as an organization.  Learning about our initiatives and the continuous work and being able to vocalize with members if needed. 
6. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate 
   program activities with other staff team members.
7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
8. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
9. Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
10. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships 
    with people from different backgrounds.
11. Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
12. Flexible, creative and visionary.
13. Possesses good judgment, specifically when making educational decisions.
14. Maintains a positive, calm but enthusiastic attitude at all times.

Why the Y? We’re a welcoming, mission-driven team focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Be part of a place where you can belong, grow, and make a difference every day. The WSYMCA rewards dedicated employees by offering a competitive benefits package that includes paid vacation & holidays, group health with vision & drug prescription, dental & life insurance, paid retirement once vested, YMCA membership, access to child care services, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities. 

The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that welcomes all by creating a community that hires individuals of any age, race, gender, religion, heritage, economic circumstance, or physical ability. We focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to ensure all children, adults and families are healthy, confident and connected.