PT Specialized Preschool Teacher

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Under the direction of the Director or Lead Behavior Therapist, and in accordance with the Christian nature and purpose of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, the Behavior Therapist is responsible for assisting in the planning, development and implementation of all curriculum and program activities in the Early Child Care and Education classroom. The Behavior Therapist guides the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching and healthy environment.

The incumbent must have the competencies, skills, and proven leadership ability to successfully carry out the association’s mission, goals, and visions for serving the community. The Specialized Preschool Teacher will be responsible for the following:

• Administers the day-to-day operation of assigned classroom, meeting all state, local and YMCA standards.

• Maintains accurate classroom records in compliance with state licensing, YMCA and program requirements.

• Assists in planning and implementing the classroom curriculum in a developmentally appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of the participants.

• Manages the classroom’s resource responsibly.

• Provides a classroom that adheres to all state, local and YMCA health and safety standards and exhibits high standards in cleanliness and presentation.

• Facilitates a positive classroom environment and the development of self-control in children through the use of positive techniques and expectations that match and respect children’s developing capabilities.

• Promotes a team concept through interaction with others and maintains on-going communication with supervisor.

• Upholds the Association’s Child Protection policies, child abuse and neglect guidelines and proper reporting procedures at all times.

• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.

• Communicates regularly with classroom parents; attends parent/family events, staff meetings and trainings as required or designated by supervisor.

• Upholds and exemplifies the YMCA’s principles of Character Development, Asset Development, Member/Participant Service and programs which build “strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”

• Assumes all other responsibilities as deemed necessary or assigned.

• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.

• Maintains appropriate staff-to-child ratios, as specified by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, at all times.

• Utilizes a diverse selection of materials, equipment and experiences for all enrolled children, including multicultural, non-sexist, and anti-bias.

• Provides opportunities for children to use their large muscles, both indoors and outdoors, with consideration for each child’s physical and developmental capabilities.

• Assists in providing a classroom that exhibits high standards in cleanliness and presentation.

• Assists in facilitating a positive classroom environment and the development of self-control in children through the use of positive guidance techniques and expectations that match and respect children’s developing capabilities.

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, child care policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest stands of excellence.

Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts change; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.

Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques; supports the role of fund-raising in achieving the YMCA mission.

Possess the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve and involve members, participants, internal customers and others.

Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies, and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.

Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner, embraces differences among people, demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

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.

The incumbent is regularly required to stand and walk for long periods of time, to talk and hear, sit, run, lift and or move up to 50 pounds, to climb and or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The incumbent is regularly required to work under pressure and or to work rapidly to meet deadlines. More than 90% of time is spent indoors working in classroom setting. The noise level is normal within an active YMCA childcare program environment.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum 18 years of age.

2. Must possess high school diploma or GED

3. Must meet all licensing requirements under the Department of Human Resources of the state and local governments.

4. Must have a CDA or documented Career Pathways level 2 and working toward NAEYC Accreditation staff qualification in preferred human services (psychology, education, social work).

5. Must complete and maintain current status in CPR/First Aid/AED/Oxygen, Common Child hood Illnesses and Child Abuse Prevention.

6. Must posses and demonstrate ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities and routines of the program's children, including but not limited to interacting with children at floor level, physical education activities such as running, jumping etc. lifting children and/or equipment and participating in outdoor activities, field trips and swimming as needed.

7. Must possess visual, oral, auditory, decision making abilities and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.

8. Must be capable of implementing the daily administrative, program related and supervisory responsibilities of an Early Childhood Care and Education program.