Preschool Teacher

PAY RANGE:

$23.75 Hourly

HOURS/AVAILABILITY:

Full Time 7am - 5:30pm

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Preschool Teacher works with other teachers, aides, and supervisors to maintain a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.



 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plans and leads age and developmentally appropriate early learning experiences in a classroom setting, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 2 to under 6 years of age. 
2. Supervises the children, classroom, and all program activities.
3. Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the Y; makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
4. Nurtures children through purposeful programming; creates lesson plans that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes.
5. Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
6. Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
7. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
8. Has an ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; conducts parent/caregiver conferences; connects families to the Y.
9. Prepares snack/meals
10. Collaborates with aides and other teachers for lesson planning and activities.
11. Leads circle time activities and/or large group activities as assigned.
12. And perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be qualified via one of the following ways below, and registered through DHS Hawaii Early Childhood Registry according to the state child care licensing rules: 
   • A degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university, and six months working experience in an early childhood program; or
   • Post secondary credential in child development associate program or organized two-year (sixty credit) college program and certificate in early childhood education, plus one year supervised teaching experience in an early childhood program, or 
   • Baccalaureate (bachelor’s degree) in elementary education from an accredited college or university plus six months working in an early childhood program, plus six credit – semester or equivalent approved child development or early childhood training courses, (may be included as part of bachelors of arts or bachelors of science degree); or
   • Baccalaureate (bachelor’s degree) in any field from an accredited college or university plus six months working in an early childhood program, plus twelve credits – semesters or equivalent approved child development or early childhood training courses (maybe included as part of bachelor of arts or bachelor or science degree).
2. Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications preferred, however training is provided.
3. Child Abuse Prevention training prior to the start of first shift.
4. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting required
5. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
6. Previous experience with diverse populations, and the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
7. Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
8. YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
9. Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training.
10. Daily access to personal vehicle required.

WHY THE Y?:

• Free Y membership with employment 
• Referral bonuses - Y employees can earn cash or Y credit bonuses for referring a new hire*
• Up to 60% discounts for yourself, family, and even your siblings on Y programs, camps, preschool, childcare, and more.

Child Protection Commitment

The YMCA requires all staff to share responsibility for preventing child abuse by upholding professional boundaries, completing mandatory Praesidium training, and reporting concerns. All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background screening, including criminal and sex offender checks.