ELC Lead Teacher

Overview At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. The ELC Lead Teacher serves as a member of the Montclair Y staff team and should maintain the qualifications for teacher status as listed in the Department of Child Care Licensing policy and through Montclair Y’s standards. Under the direction of the Early Childhood Head Teacher and/or Director and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the Montclair Y, the ELC Lead Teacher is responsible for a variety of instructional, clerical and/or classroom tasks, providing a safe, fun, and positive environment for participants. The Lead Teacher leads in the education, health, welfare, and safety of the members enrolled in their classroom and the center. The ELC Lead Teacher must demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA’s four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Qualifications Must be 18 years old or older. Must possess a CDA, and/or an associate degree in early childhood and 2 years’ classroom experience as an aide or other suitable experience with children. Must maintain certifications as required by the Department of Child Care Licensing. Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire. Must have the ability to take charge of a group of children and come up with activities/games at a moment’s notice, if need be. Must have stamina and physical flexibility (walking, sitting, standing, bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, running, stretching, reaching, climbing, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs.) to participate in children's activities and communicate with children face to face. Must be able to accompany children up and downstairs to supervise activities such as outdoor play, and fire drills. Essential Functions Greet each child and parent upon arrival. Visually scan each child upon arrival and check for illness, disease, or any physical impairment. Note in daily report. Demonstrate warmth toward children and set positive examples by always using a pleasant and calm speaking voice. Comfort children when needed. Plan and execute instructional lessons. Accompany children to playground and exterior of building to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills. Set up cots/mats in classroom. Reinforce skills using puppets, flannel boards, manipulatives, etc. on a one-to-one or small group basis. Select appropriate songs and stories; read and sing with class daily. Supervise fine and gross motor activities indoors and outside. Plan free play activities/afternoon activities. Use positive reinforcement. Assist children in maintaining proper personal hygiene. Prepare materials for lessons; prepare learning center and bulletin boards. Serve snacks and meals. Maintain the classroom (e.g., cleaning toys, organizing toys, books, and games). Record and evaluate children's progress. Communicate with parents and directors about any issues regarding child's daily problems/concerns. Attend all required meetings; complete and maintain all classroom records. Mentor and supervise assistant teachers. Provide for professional growth by attending workshops and reading. Perform other duties as requested by Director and/or designee. Be fully aware of the policies of Geyer Early Learning Center and adhere to such guidelines daily. Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct self with professional integrity, respect the confidentiality of families served, and be always an appropriate role model for the children/parents. Always maintain a safe & healthy environment. Risk/Facility Management: All staff are responsible for assuring the safety of Y members/participants and for the care, maintenance, and safety of the all-Y facility/program environments. Staff must report accidents/incidents/emergencies immediately to the Director and/or designee and adhere to YMCA confidentiality requirements related to all reported incidents. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants. Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures. Quality Assurance: Plan, deliver, and maintain quality programs, facilities, and program environments; follow YMCA best practices and meet or exceed YMCA of Montclair’s expectations. Training/Staff Meetings: Attend all mandatory training and staff meetings, risk management training within the specified timeframes; keep abreast of current trends in facilities and risk management. Competencies Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies Communication & Influence Developing Self & Others Functional Expertise Required Certifications Must maintain certifications as required by the Department of Child Care Licensing. Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of the USA