Lead Infant Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director and or Ed Coordinator the Lead Teacher shall have the responsibilities for the overall operation of the assigned classroom. The Lead Teacher insures that the classroom maintains the standards of instruction that follow the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Establish a warm and professional rapport with all children and families in the classroom.
2. Maintain healthy and safety standards in the classroom
3. Develop integrated, developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum for children designed to promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth through the use of the RIELDS.
4. Maintain accurate attendance records and meal tracking (CACFP; if applicable)
5. Ensure cleanliness of the classroom including counter tops, sinks and tables
6. Greet families and children as they enter or exit the classroom and or building
7. Ensure that the Teacher Assistant understands the plan for the day and can be supportive to the needs of the children
8. Support social and emotional development and positive guidance in the classroom
9. Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the age of the children using the ITERS-3 or ECERS-3 tool as a guide
10. Observe and document the individual progress of each child through authentic assessment practices for the dual purpose of informing classroom instruction and curriculum and communicate children's' progress with families through TSG assessment tools and conferences based on schedule provided at the beginning of each school year
11. Ensure lesson plans are submitted based on the schedule given out at the beginning of each school year
12. Ensure appropriate active supervision of children at all times of the day (especially in the bathroom and on the playground)
13. Be familiar with DHS licensing regulations, and Family Handbook
14. Participate in Family Engagement Activities run by the center
15. Develop a yearly Professional Development Plan that is aligned to the RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, which will include 20 hour of training in a related field.
16. Participate in all staff trainings and parent/staff meetings and other mandatory or required meetings during the year.
17. Complete the duties or provide coverage as assigned by the Ed Coordinator/Director of the program

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

(Competencies for "Leader"):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The Lead Teacher shall have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college or hold a minimum of 12 college credits in early childhood education
2. Three months experience working in a classroom environment
3. Must be at least 21 years of age
4. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire
5. Obtain or begin the requirements to obtain the RIELDS certificate within 3 months of hire
6. Meet all DHS and YMCA Employment qualifications

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions :

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
2. Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
3. Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
4. Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
5. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
6. Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
7. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
8. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency