SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum i.e. Creative Curriculum according to guidelines established by YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South and TN Early Learning Standards. Incorporate YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South mission, culture, goals, value, philosophies, policies, and development of an inclusive environment. Review important decisions with his/her supervisor, and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians, children and coworkers. Ensure safety and supervision of children at all times by meeting the physical demands of the position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES:
Interaction Between Staff and Children
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Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child.
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Respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, toys and activities.
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Communicate directly with each child at the child's level.
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Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions.
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Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.
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Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate.
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Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.
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Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South guidelines for positive discipline. Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.
Curriculum
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Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum i.e. Creative Curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians.
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Design an environment which responds to children's individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests by consulting appropriate industry leading resources (i.e., Environmental Checklist).
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Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourage children to think, problem solve, question, and experiment.
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Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices.
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Encourage creative expression.
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Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both location and global communities.
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Plan a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.
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Plan and implement child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, staff-initiated activities.
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Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children's interests.
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Create documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, documentation panels and/or portfolios.
Parent/Guardian Communication
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Acknowledge parents/guardians and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional demeanor.
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Respond to parent/guardian comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality.
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Establish and maintain a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families which includes initial meeting with families during orientation period.
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Invite input from parents/guardians regarding their child’s development and care.
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Communicate verbally and in writing with parents/guardians daily regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care.
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Plan and facilitate in regular parent/guardian conferences to discuss orientation, transitions, and developmental goals for their child based on appropriate assessment tools, (i.e., developmental profiles).
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Assist in planning and attend location/classroom events and meetings.
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Share resources with parents/guardians through discussions, articles, parent/guardian boards, newsletters, and community contacts.
Physical Environment, Health, Safety, and Nutrition
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Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
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Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group whether working with a small group or individuals. Take the Transition Tracking Training and receive the Transition Tracking Policy and tool.
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Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times. • Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day.
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Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies). • Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.
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Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed.
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Arrange space in clearly defined, well organized activity areas.
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Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently.
Professionalism
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Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families or YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South center leadership, management and operations. Must not involve parents/guardians in location concerns.
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Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.
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Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to parents/guardians, coworkers, and community.
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Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance, arranging and communicating leave requests in advance.
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Respect and adhere to staffing schedules which may be adjusted as program needs change and may include working in another classroom.
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Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices. • Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other location events.
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Respond to location and organizational needs by attending regional training, contributing to a newsletter, serving on a task force, or substituting at another location.
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Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature.
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Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve. Give feedback in a respectful manner.
Teamwork
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Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with coworkers. • Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative.
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Assume additional classroom and location responsibilities as needed: kitchen, pets, children's files, etc.
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Offer and share ideas and materials with coworkers.
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Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.
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Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip.
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Exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of coworkers. Statements are based on first-hand knowledge and relevant to the interests of children and programs.
DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY
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Must have prior approval from supervisor to:
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Take time off from scheduled work hours/days or alter schedule
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Release a child to someone other than a known parent/guardian
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Discuss behavior or developmental concerns with a parent/guardian - purchase supplies or spend petty cash
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Contact a parent/guardian regarding a child's temperature or illness - administer medication (in compliance with state requirements)
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Seek outside support services for individual children
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Schedule a field trip
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Transition a child into another classroom
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May take action, but must inform Director when you:
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Care for a child with a significant injury
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Acknowledge and listen to a parent/guardian concern
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File an abuse and neglect complaint
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Record an unusual incident
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed, not an exhaustive list of all essential functions and responsibilities.
YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Builds effective, supportive working relationships with parents, staff, children and all others. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
REQUIREMENTS (Must meet State requirements)
Education
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Must meet state requirements for Teacher and additional center/school requirements may apply.
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High School diploma/GED required. Related college-level course work or CDA course work preferred. CDA or working towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Experience
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Must meet state experience requirements for Teacher; 12 months of professional teaching experience preferred. • With Regional Manager approval, extensive teaching experience may substitute for education requirements, provided professional development plan is in place.
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Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate curriculum practices.
WORK SCHEDULE:This section will provide the general work schedule for the position. Include general shift times, working days, expected overtime, and other special work schedules.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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Follow state, federal and YMCA Memphis and The Mid-South guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training.
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Ensure children's safety while performing the following job functions:
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Frequently lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds. (Occasionally lift, move, or hold weight more than 40 pounds).
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Supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
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Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities.
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Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
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Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
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