Preschool Teacher

Description $20.00 - $26.00/hour Mon-Fri; shift falls between 7 am - 5 pm A Career with a Cause: 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. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to this cause because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. 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. Position Summary: This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable. The Preschool Lead UPK Teacher is responsible for the delivery of a safe and developmentally high-quality educational experience for the children in the program. The incumbent must implement weekly lesson plans that support the curriculum and developmental levels of the students. All decisions must be guided by the goals of the NYS UPK Program and YMCA. The Preschool Lead UPK Teacher assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training. Essential Functions: Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization; supporting members connect with each other and the YMCA. Maintains physical presence, always remains alert while on duty. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situationsimmediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures; completes related reports as required. Plan, organize, and lead all daily preschool program activities including academic, physical, and social opportunities. Lesson plans must be posted for parents and readily available for substitute staff. Report to the program ready to work at designated times and prepared to stay until all of the children have left. Provide a safe, healthy, moral, and fun environment for all children, supervising children at all times. Provide a positive role model for the children in the program. This includes actions, speech, and attire of all staff. Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, procedures, and staff expectations, including those for the prevention of child abuse. Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on department offerings and member engagement. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed. Clean and store equipment per branch procedures. Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings. Is willing to step up, even if outside of the position description, to contribute to the overall success of the YMCA. YMCA Leadership Competencies: Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs Requirements Experience, Education, and Qualifications: The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in child development and early education theories and practices and safe and appropriate activities for children. Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position. Must demonstrate excellent teaching and decision‑making skills. Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people. Possess a general knowledge and understanding of YMCA, its goals, and its mission. Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation. Possess knowledge of age‑appropriate activities and expectations of early childhood including ages 2 to 6. Knowledge of school age childcare preferred. Proficient computer skills. Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to children’s needs. Be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment. NYS Office of Children and Family Services Requirements: Prior to assignment to initial position, the incumbent will: Complete an initial medical statement and tuberculin test providing satisfactory evidence that they are physically fit to provide child day care. Within the first 30 days of employment, the incumbent will: Undergo fingerprint and background screening as mandated by the NYS OCFS. Obtain clearance on the State Central Register (SCR) and Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCL). Trainings & Certifications: Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to initial assignment to position. Must hold CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications Must attend Medication Administration Training within the first 90 days of employment. Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90 days of employment. Must hold NYS Certification in Early Childhood Education Physical Demands: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. On occasion ability to lift and carry children and equipment, may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. Frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, lift/move and carry approximately 35 pounds, and use hands and fingers. Special vision abilities required: distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: This job operates in a recreational and/or educational environment. This role routinely uses standard recreation and/or office equipment. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to always follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high. #J-18808-Ljbffr