Teacher - Head Start

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

 
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference! 

POSITION SUMMARY:

• This position serves as a Teacher for a Head Start classroom with a direct focus on children 3 to 4 years of age. The teacher will work collaboratively with one other Teacher to ensure the successful operation of a classroom with a total of 17- 20 children. The teacher also works with a team of other teachers, family advocate and family members to implement the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities. Teachers are expected to utilize a working knowledge of the principles of child growth and development to work with children and collaborate with related service areas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Planning

• Responsible for the preparation and overall delivery of daily lesson plans. Post them for parents, volunteers and visitors in the classroom.
• Develop an individual plan for each child including goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established child outcomes.
• Address challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills and partnering with families to support the child at home.
• Implement a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
• Use observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children’s progress and individualize curriculum.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in Y associate meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality in regards to Y associate and family information.
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.
• Perform any other work-related duties as requested by your supervisor.
• Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.
• Demonstrate commitment to the Y mission, Y core values, and Y policies in the performance of daily duties.
• Recognize that your job description is service area specific and that a successful employee upholds the overall employment standards outlined in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and specifically, but not limited to: confidentiality, child abuse reporting, attendance and dependability, appropriate dress, customer service and support to all families, prudent use of program resources, and promoting and maintaining safe work environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) and/or Bachelor's Degree in Education
• Must obtain a criminal background check.
• Basic computer literacy email, word processing and internet navigation

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.