DESCRIPTION

A Pre-Kindergarten teacher represents the YMCA personally, professionally, and in a manner in accordance with the mission and goals of the YMCA. Under the supervision of the Site Director, the lead teacher ensures for his/her classroom a team effort in all aspects of programming and implements classroom curriculum, updates children’s records, communicates information to families, and maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and attractive environment.
Age-appropriate activities should provide for growth in skills, self-awareness, friendships, and character development. By conducting themselves in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner, lead teachers are role models for children and adults. In addition, they ensure focus on programming that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, with the goal to assist children in reaching their fullest potential. Lead teachers ensure the implementation of activities for our youngest learners that align with MA guidelines and provide for positive research-based outcomes for children served. Nurturing the socio-emotional health of the children in our care is considered a primary foundation for success, including cognitive and physical growth, and school readiness.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Lead Teacher qualified by the Department of Early Education and Care standards.
• Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• First Aid and CPR certified within the first 6 months of employment.
• Excellent skills in working with families, conflict resolution, and community relations.
• Knowledge of group process with ability to make contributions to a positive team dynamic.
• Commitment to the philosophy and goals of the YMCA.
• Effective leadership skills and crisis management skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Participate in online training - Bloodborne Pathogens, Sexual Harassment, and Child Abuse Prevention - within the first 60 days of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Keeps safety of children as a priority; emphasize personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff always.
• Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior guidance and ensures that colleagues are utilizing similar strategies.
• Sets a tone of professionalism and efficiency while maintaining a nurturing classroom environment.
• Supervises children to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and smooth transitions.
• Works with the Site Director regarding daily duties/ needs of the program; ensures classroom and materials are properly maintained sustains and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
• Is actively engaged in assessing children’s progress, curriculum planning, program assessments, and communication with families and ensures that his/her classroom administration is up to date.
• Works with the Site Director to introduce activities that positively engage the group while considering individualized instruction, as necessary.
• Participates in at least 20 hours of training per year and meets EEC/YMCA training guidelines.
• Attends regular staff meetings and Association-wide or regional events as assigned.
• Exhibits flexibility with scheduling, classroom assignments, and substituting in varied areas of the program.
• Considers exceptional attendance at work, promptness for shift, and reliability as core work ethic.
• Is knowledgeable in and adheres to the rules, regulations, and procedures set forth by the YMCA of Greater Boston and the Department of Early Education and Care.
• Is active in branch-related activities and communicates regularly with other department staff.
• Participates in some manner in the Annual Campaign.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Effectiveness Is Measured By:

• A warm, engaging environment for children, staff and families which meet quality standards and EEC licensing requirements.
• A developmentally sound program for children which provides positive channels to grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.
• Positive program assessments through observations and parent feedback.
• A program which meets community needs consistent with the YMCA mission.
• A classroom team that works coordinated with one another and with children and families as priorities.