Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

This position plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility. As a Preschool Teacher at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, you will be responsible for helping the Head Teacher develop and implement engaging learning experiences that nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of young children in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Building strong relationships with parents and colleagues is essential for success in this role.

1. Ensures the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the program at all times.
2. Collaborates with the Lead Teacher to design and deliver weekly lesson plans aligned with an emergent curriculum connected to the CT ELDS.
3. Assists the Lead Teacher in conducting daily observations based on the CT DOTS and recording weekly progress in each child's portfolio.
4. Works closely with the Lead Teacher to assess each student's progress and discuss any concerns or achievements with parents on a daily basis.
5. Integrates the 40 developmental assets into classroom curriculum and daily activities, promoting holistic child development.
6. Embeds YMCA Character and Youth Development best practices into weekly plans to foster positive values and behaviors.
7. Attends mandatory staff orientation and meetings as required.
8. Makes referrals for support services as needed and advocates for children and families to ensure their needs are met.
9. Assists the Lead Teacher in creating a supportive classroom environment that encourages learning through play, promotes social-emotional development, and fosters physical growth.
10. Promotes learning across all areas of the classroom, including the block area, dramatic play, manipulatives, literacy center, computer, sand and water area, science area, art area, and woodworking.
11. Participates in weekly swim lessons with the children, ensuring their safety and engagement.
12. Fulfills all obligations related to abuse and neglect mandated reporting, adhering to YMCA policies and procedures.
13. Ensures compliance with CACFP guidelines for food programs and maintains accurate records for Nutrition and School Readiness reports.
14. Fosters a team-oriented atmosphere by supervising assistant teachers and aides, delegating tasks, and promoting a positive work environment.
15. Communicates effectively with the Lead Teacher about any significant issues related to staff, children, or facility.
16. Exemplifies professionalism, growth, and a commitment to excellence, serving as a role model for colleagues.
17. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication with colleagues and stakeholders, ensuring that all activities align with state regulations, School Readiness requirements, NAEYC accreditation standards, and YMCA policies.
18. Completes all other duties assigned by the supervisor, upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence.

• A minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, reflective of the age group of children being supported. Alternatively, assistant teachers/teacher aides can hold qualifications equivalent to a CDA, which includes 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, and/or early childhood special education.
• A CDA credential equivalent, as defined by NAEYC, which includes at least 12 college credits in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• An Associate’s degree or higher in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• The equivalency to an associate’s degree in ECE, as defined by NAEYC, which includes at least 60 college/university credits, with at least 30 college credits in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Prior to the first day, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, First Aid, ADE, Medication administration, EPI pen, and Bloodborne Pathogens trainings.
• Knowledge of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), and CT Documentation and Observation for Teaching Systems (CT DOTS).
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.