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 Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Teacher is responsible for classroom oversight and management on a day to day basis.
This will be a Full-Time Infant Lead position working 8.5 hours between the hours of 8:30am - 6:00pm with a 45 minute lunch. The 8.5 hours will be based on center needs and candidate preferences.
OUR CULTURE:
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. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. 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.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Implements the assigned Curriculum in the classroom. Prepares and implements age appropriate activities to promote age appropriate development and growth.
2. Submits lesson plans in the established time frame through the designated submission platform.
3. Maintains assigned children’s records, including any daily documentation (assessments, questionnaires, etc.), in compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and YMCA policy and procedures.
4. Positively and professionally communicates information directly with parents/guardians using approved YMCA communication methods. Responsible for completing necessary daily notes for families that reflect the child’s daily experiences in the program.
5. Ensures compliance with NYS Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) Daycare regulations (i.e. safety, nutrition, discipline, staff, health care plan, training, diapering/toileting, etc.)
6. Maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and inviting environment at all times, for all entering the ELC and classroom.
7. Identifies and resolves problem areas to ensure parent satisfaction.
8. Acts as a role model for children and adults by conducting themselves in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner at all times.
9. Ensures safety and appropriate behavior in the classroom/ELC and manages transitions smoothly.
10. Works with the ELC Leadership in the design of the classroom space and is responsible for making sure that materials are ready for use and put away at the end of the day.
11. Responsible for the supervision and training of classroom assistant teachers and aides.
12. Keeps the safety of children as a first priority by maintaining OCFS child to staff ratios at all times. Emphasizes personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff at all times.
13. Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior management as established by the YMCA and NYS OCFS.
14. Participates in and completes the required 30 hours of training per year including 25% that must be in the area of children with special needs.
15. Assists ELC leadership in evaluating the assigned classroom staff annually.
16. Helps conduct student assessments and parent/teacher conferences.
17. Keeps up to date on industry standards and professional development through self-study, research, and/or conference/workshop participation.
18. Maintains certification in CPR, First Aid, and other certifications required for the position as established by the YMCA and NYS OCFS.
19. Builds positive relationships within the community so that all members of the community have access to the YMCA.
20. Participates in branch programs and special events as directed.
21. Represents the YMCA in a professional manner at all times.
22. Attends all scheduled meetings.
23. On occasion, cover open shifts at other Early Learning Centers within the YMCA of the Twin Tiers Association.
24. Adheres to the confidentiality policy and code of ethics at all times.
25. Adheres to all policies regarding personal conduct as listed in the YMCA Employee Handbook.
26. Carries out additional responsibilities and assignments deemed necessary by the CEO or the ELC leadership.
27. This job description may not be all-inclusive and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by the CEO or the ELC leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates degree in Early Childhood, Childhood Development or related field (ie: human services, social services, education, etc.); Bachelors preferred.
- Minimum education of Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or college credits with plan of study to obtain CDA Credential.
- One year of experience working with children in a daycare setting, specifically with children under the age of 2; Two years of experience preferred.
- Understanding of and ability to demonstrate the YMCA core values at all times
- Understanding of an ability to adhere to YMCA policies as well as New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations
- Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
- Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
- CPR and First Aid certifications required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
- The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The YMCA is an equal opportunity employment company. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, or arrest record. As an employer, we will try to reasonably accommodate employees with religious beliefs.
