Lead Teacher @ Haven for Hope Y Early Learning Center - Full Time

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Head teacher provides direction for the program and classroom, and implements program curriculum. The head teacher also provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. 

This position will receive a minimum of 3 weeks Paid-Time Off, Holiday Pay, Full-time benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, a Retirement 403(b) pension plan upon eligibility and a Free YMCA Membership.

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: 

1. Implements curriculum within the established guidelines. 
2. Designs and implements daily lesson/activity plans. 
3. Supervise and participate with children during all large and small group activities, and not congregate with other adults in one place. 
4. Supervise children’s arrival and Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child including wellness checks.  
5. Be alert to changes in children’s behavior that may signal abuse or neglect. 
6. Conducts parent conferences, and maintains positive relationships and effective communication Distribute snack or meals to children. 
7. Shares the Y story with Engages parents as volunteers. 
8. Maintain room and facility cleanliness according to center. Teach children proper procedures for using, cleaning up, and storing equipment. 
9. Complete routine and required forms to include, but not limited to: attendance records, observation records and incident and injury reports. Maintains required program records. 
10. Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training. 
11. Provide discipline for children that is age appropriate while maintaining respect of the child. 
12. Possess a working knowledge of safety and emergency procedures and be able to exercise sound judgment, and report any unsafe conditions to supervisor immediately. Serve as Primary Responder for all accidents and incidents. 
13. Change activities when children are too excited, angry, or tired to play safely. 
14. Intervene immediately when children are involved in unsafe play. 
15. Communicate effectively and exhibit a professional attitude with all other staff, parents, and children. 
16. May be required to work hours outside of normal work schedule for staff meetings, trainings, extended program hours, parent nights or association events. 
17. Maintain Continuing Education requirements each year.
18. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

• Communication and Influence 
• Inclusion 
• Developing Self & Others 
• Emotional Maturity 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. A High School Diploma or GED is required. A Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA, Behavioral Science, or related field is preferred. 
2. Must be at least 21 years of age. 
3. 1-2 years experience working in a licensed childcare facility is required. 
4. Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic life saving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen. 
5. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. 
6. Previous experience with diverse Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. 
7. Must be able to establish and maintain harmonious relationships by promoting caring, honesty, respect and responsibility with staff, YMCA members, and program participants. 
8. Incumbent must be a positive role model to children and display emotional maturity and stability at all times. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

1. Work is performed in an active environment
2. Incumbent must have the ability to communicate with staff, children and and parents.
3. This position requires high levels of attention and alertness
4. Visual acuity is required for child  supervision
5. Repetitive stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required. Ability to stand and walk for long periods at a time is required, as well as, the ability to run and be able to participate in sports. 
6. Must be able to respond to emergency situations