Preschool Lead Teacher

YMCA
How to Apply
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The Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.
Job Description

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.

SALARY: Compensation commensurate with experience/comparable to the East Orange School District 

Under the general direction of the Childcare Director, the Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for the implementation of all classroom activities. This includes maintaining the physical appearance of the classroom to meet NAEYC standards. Will supervise and train teacher’s assistants to comply with the YMCA’s policies and philosophy of education. The position is responsible as a liaison between the site director and families participating in the program. 

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Education or equivalent.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (CE) required, P3 certification preferred.
  • Knowledge of NAEYC requirements
  • Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate
  • program activities.
  • Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in a group setting with preschool children preferred.
  • Knowledge of birth to age 5 in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
  • Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management and parental communication is essential.
  • Experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. 
Essential Functions
  • Implement the Tools of the Mind curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
  • Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities.
  • Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
  • Conducts parent conferences, and maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers.
  • Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise their performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
  • Mentor teacher assistants to enhance their professional growth.
  • Maintain all records including attendance, accident reports, daily logs, parent sign in and out book, medical records and time sheets, in compliance with state, NAEYC, and the East Orange Board of Education regulations.
  • Maintains classroom equipment, healthy and safe classroom environment for children
  • Participate in Parents Advisory Committee Events and YMCA special events including Healthy Kids day, open houses and Annual Support Campaign events.
  • Support and lead staff and parents in the Annual Support Campaign.
  • Model and enforce appropriate and positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
  • Participate in required trainings and workshops to enhance professional growth.
  • Maintains required program records.
  • Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
  • Works with Director to determine key goals to be accomplished annually.
  • Supports branch- and association-wide goals, initiatives and activities, including the Annual Support Campaign. 
  • Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
  • Child Abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.   
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. 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 member 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.

Required Certifications

Certificate of Eligibility (CE) required, P3 certification preferred.