Lead Teacher - Central

Job Description

Job Description

OUR CULTURE:
At the Y, you can channel your passion into a lifelong career helping to deliver positive change. Every day, our staff – of all ages and from all walks of life – work to bridge the gaps in community needs by nurturing the potential of youth and teens, improving our community’s health and well-being, and providing support to our neighbors, by serving others, building strong relationships, and incorporating our YMCA values into our everyday work.

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 Lead Teacher directs the classroom setting and creative program plans to a classroom of engaged and eager YMCA youth. The Lead Teacher creates and promotes positive rapport and shared interest with all youth, while also engaging with families to update them on progress.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Cultivates positive relationships with children, families and co-workers remaining dedicated to the learning and success of each unique child

2. Leads assigned classroom by supervising, designing, engaging, and nurturing children in purposeful programming

3. Adheres to Washington State DCYF Licensing, Early Achievers and YMCA standards as implemented by Program Supervisor and ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and safety standards.

4. Conducts ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of individual children as required, and support in maintaining required program records as requested by supervisor.

5. Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; conducts family conferences; connects families to the Y.

6. Maintains program site and equipment, and classroom cleanliness and organization to ensure a well-prepared learning environment for children.

7. Attends and engages with children, families and co-workers in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training

8. Demonstrate through action and interaction with staff, Y participants and the public the Four Character Development Principles of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have, or willing to receive, Early Childhood Education Certificate within 5 years of hire.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental, diverse setting required.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age- appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities
• Required prior to first day: Negative TB test within the past 6 months, MMR Vaccination
• Required Completion on first day of hire: Registered in DCYF MERIT*, Blood Borne Pathogens*, apply for a portable background check*.
• Required within 30 days of hire: Child Abuse Prevention training*, First Aid/CPR Certifications*, Food Handlers Permit*, 30 Hours Basic Training* or Educational Exemption
• Understands the YMCA if a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds

*Indicates the training is Free or YMCA sponsored

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.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to communicable diseases, thus engages in frequent handwashing and use of disinfectant products
• The employee frequently is required to lift and carry children, along with engage with them in stationary and upright positions
• The employee must occasionally be exposed to chlorine when in the pool or pool area
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest commits to being an inclusive organization for all. Driven by our mission and values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility we actively work to close equity gaps for marginalized and underserved groups. We are inspired to elevate social justice issues facing our community, remove systemic barriers, welcome cultural diversity, and create equity for those in greatest need. Through collaboration with our diverse community partners together we work to effect meaningful change. In all things, we are dedicated to ensuring our Y is a safe, welcoming place for all people to be, belong, and become. The YMCA of the Inland Northwest provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants.

STARTING PAY: $18.35/hr

WHAT YOU GET FROM WORKING AT THE YMCA:

• Frequent opportunities to makes a difference in the lives of youth, adults, and senior members 
• Family YMCA membership with program discounts available 
• Paid sick time accruing at 1 hour every 40 hours worked 
• Medical, Dental Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical or Dependent Care, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance. Medical Insurance starts at $45/month for employee-only coverage. 
• 10 paid holidays per year 
• Paid vacation time accruing at 7.66 hours a month (starting at 11 days per year) 
• Early Learning Child Care: $400/month for Infant or Toddler classrooms, and $300/month for Preschool classrooms 
• Up to two hours of Child Watch services per day, per child while employee is on site and working  
• Flexible schedules that work for YOU 
• Retirement plan with 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service (1,000 or more hours worked required in each anniversary year)  

The happiest and most fulfilled Y staff are motivated to help others and want to be a part of something larger than themselves. Join our team! Come be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us. 

Apply today!