4K ECE Teacher

at  YMCA

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is seeking 4K ECE Teachers for our Willow Springs Learning Center location.
Job Description
Under the direction of the 4K Early Childhood Education Director and in accordance with Association policies, the 4K Teacher will be responsible for supporting the daily operations of the K4 Wrap program including but not limited to supervision, safety, program management and curriculum, administrative compliance as well as adherence to state licensing compliance, YMCA Standards including Y USA HEPA standards, and YoungStar Standards compliance. The 4k Teacher serves as a leader to program participants, is responsible for the planning and implementation of high-quality curriculum and programs, engages families in their child’s growth and development and engagement within the program, provides exceptional customer service and acts as a liaison to all school personnel.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Outdoor Education, Recreation, Social Work, Child Development, Youth Ministry or related field is preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 21 years of age is preferred.
• Required Trainings: Provided by the YMCA.
• CPR-Pro, AED, and First Aid Certification is required (must be obtained within 6 months).
• Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma Prevention and SIDS is required (must be obtained prior to working in the classroom).
• At least 80 hours of Early Childhood classes with documentation OR completed at least 6 credits in elementary education, child guidance, child development or other approved courses OR have a bachelor’s degree in education, social work, child development, child psychology or other related field. (Introduction to the Child Care Profession-formerly EC1 and Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Profession-formerly EC2 can fulfill these training hours).
• Must successfully complete fingerprinting requirement prior to working first shift.

• Must have 2 years previous experience working with children in a formal setting.Minimum of 1 year supervisory experience or administration is preferred.

SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Able to work with and positively engage with children using appropriate discipline/child guidance methods outlined in Licensing and YMCA child management policies and procedures.
• Proven ability in demonstrating initiative, good judgment and independence.
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work in and with diverse populations.
• Must possess organizational skills.
• Able to provide mature leadership.
• Able to create a fun environment, be flexible and share enthusiasm with teachers, participants, families and community.
• Must be able to demonstrate understanding, patience, creativity, cooperative spirit, common sense, spiritual depth and commitment to working with youth and their families.
• Competent computer skills are necessary to perform job; Microsoft Office experience is preferred.
• Current driver’s license, and reliable, insured transportation are required; ability to travel between multiple centers throughout course of shift.

• Must be able to arrive on time at the school well-rested and well-prepared to maintain appropriate adult:child ratios.Able to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently.

Support 4K Early Childhood Education Director in supervising part-time staff and volunteers in accordance with the organization’s policies, mission and applicable laws. Support K4 Early Childhood Education Director in interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; auditing sites.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate a positive and caring attitude while building relationships with children, staff, parents, and school community members.
• Develop effective weekly lesson plans and implements age-appropriate curriculum (lesson plan) aligned with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, resulting in high levels of student learning and achievement. Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
• Serve as the daily liaison to school district administration and the 4K department.
• Serve as a role model to staff and participants and act as the on-site supervisor of the 4K Wrap Care program.
• Maintain a professional, purposeful, clean, neat, organized, and safe classroom atmosphere. On an ongoing basis, plans, evaluates and improves the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
• Ensure that the care of the participants is a key priority through direct supervision of the programs and support staff in the absence of the Director.
• Assist the Director in the overall development of the 4K Wrap program.
• Create, distribute, and maintain accurate records and reports in compliance with state licensing and program requirements, such as sign-in check-out sheets, lesson plans, child enrollment and progress reports, attendance sheets, newsletters, etc.
• Lead and participate in program at least 30 plus hours depending on program needs.
• Evaluate lesson planning and delivery of age appropriate activities that engage children and demonstrate the YMCA core values and healthy living practices.
• Maintain communication with staff as it relates to program needs: ordering and transporting of snacks, supplies and equipment.
• Understand and follow all YoungStar, DCF standards, and YMCA policies/manuals, etc.
• Assist in planning and leading staff meetings, training sessions, other required meetings.
• Possess working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; clearly and effectively communicate to parents, principals and program participants; promote other YMCA programs.
• Exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all aspects of work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.