Elc Lead Teacher

Job Description The ELC Lead Teacher serves as a member of the Montclair Y staff team and must maintain the qualifications for teacher status as listed in the Department of Child Care Licensing policy and Montclair Y's standards. Under the direction of the Early Childhood Head Teacher and/or Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for instructional, clerical and 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. Qualifications Must be 18 years old or older. Must possess a CDA and/or an associate degree in early childhood and 2 years of 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 create activities or games at a moment's notice when needed. Must have stamina and physical flexibility to participate in children’s activities, including walking, sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, running, stretching, climbing, and lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs. Must be able to accompany children up and down stairs to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills. Essential Functions Greet each child and parent upon arrival and perform a visual scan for illness, disease or physical impairment, noting observations in a daily report. Demonstrate warmth toward children and set positive examples with a pleasant and calm speaking voice. Comfort children when needed. Plan and execute instructional lessons. Accompany children to the playground and exterior of the building to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills. Set up cots and mats in the 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 the class daily. Supervise fine and gross motor activities indoors and outside. Plan free play activities and afternoon activities. Use positive reinforcement strategies. Assist children in maintaining proper personal hygiene. Prepare materials for lessons and learning centers, including bulletin boards. Serve snacks and meals. Maintain the classroom by cleaning toys twice a week and keeping toys, books and games orderly. Record and evaluate children's progress. Communicate with parents and directors about any issues regarding a child’s daily problems or concerns. Attend all required meetings. Complete and maintain all classroom records. Mentor and supervise assistant teachers. Engage in professional growth by attending workshops and reading. Perform other duties as requested by the Director or designee. Adhere to all policies of Geyer Early Learning Center and follow guidelines daily. Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct oneself with professional integrity, respect confidentiality of families served, and act as an appropriate role model for children and parents. Always maintain a safe and healthy environment. Assure safety of Y members and participants, caring for maintenance of the facility and program environments; report accidents, incidents or emergencies to the Director immediately. Follow YMCA confidentiality requirements related to reported incidents. Adhere to policies regarding boundaries with members, volunteers, staff and participants. Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and follow procedures for managing high‑risk activities and supervising members and participants. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations; follow mandated abuse reporting procedures. Plan, deliver and maintain quality programs, facilities, and program environments; follow YMCA best practices and meet or exceed expectations. Attend all mandatory training and staff meetings, including risk management training, within specified timeframes. Keep abreast of current trends in facilities and risk management. Leadership Competencies Communication & Influence Developing Self & Others Functional Expertise Required Certifications Maintain certifications required by the Department of Child Care Licensing. Maintain and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr Spectrum 360 A NJ Non Profit Corp.