Preschool Teacher

At the West Morris Area YMCA, we have a culture driven by a cohesive team environment, where each teacher's opinion is heard and respected.

Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Preschool Teacher 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.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (preferred).

• Certificate of Eligibility for Teacher of PK-3, or a Standard Elementary School Teacher/N-8 certificate, or a Standard New Jersey nursery school endorsement, or any other equivalent certification, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training required upon hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective teaching methods and developmentally appropriate classroom activities
• Preschool teaching experience (preferred)
• Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate.
• program activities.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Ability to communicate in Spanish (preferred).
  
  

Benefits

• Company paid health insurance – medical, dental, vision - subject to employee contribution
• Company paid life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability
• Company participates in the Retirement Plans provided by YUSA including pension and deferred compensation
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Company-paid holidays
  
  

Essential Functions

We strive for developmentally appropriate activities that are conducted through a joint effort of the entire team. Areas of importance include curriculum, adult-child interactions, relations between home and program as well as the developmental evaluation of children. Take part in observation and participation in science-based practices that are developmentally appropriate for all learners.

Responsibilities

• Work to achieve State preschool standards and Dover School District educational goals and objectives by promoting active learning in the classroom using Board-adopted creative curriculum and other appropriate learning activities
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
• Set specific objectives wherever possible in lesson preparation and weekly lesson plans and carry through presentation to effectively achieve these objectives.
• Monitor pupil academic progress and personal growth toward stated objectives of instruction, including the implementation of the Dover School District preschool assessments.
• Administer structured program evaluation instruments throughout the school year to measure quality practices in preschool classrooms: ECERS-3, High Scope’s COR (child observation record), GOLD Standard, and other assessments needed.
• Maintain records of pupil's educational progress in class record books and/or board-approved forms and summarizes these marks for reporting purposes.
• Identify pupil needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and resolving learning problems.
• Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a classroom climate conducive to learning.
• Budget class time effectively.
• Communicate with parents through conferences and other means to inform them about the school program and to discuss pupil progress.
• Plan class activities and lesson presentations that are age-appropriate for the class and meet the individual needs, interests, and ability levels of all pupils.
• Maintain professional competence and continuous improvement through in-service education and other professional growth activities.
• Participate in school-level planning, faculty meetings/committees, and other school system groups.
• Make effective use of community resources to enhance the instructional program.
• Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policy.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned or required by law, code, regulation, or Board policy.
• Other duties as assigned.