Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Lake Wales, FL 33853Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $14.50 - $16.00 HourlyThe Infant/One-Year-Old Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants and young toddlers. This position supports children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in accordance with Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), DCF regulations, and YMCA policies and values. The teacher works collaboratively with families, staff, and administration to ensure high-quality care and education.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provide consistent supervision of infants and one-year-old children at all times to ensure safety and well-being.
Plan, prepare, and implement age-appropriate activities that support developmental milestones, including sensory, motor, language, and social-emotional growth.
Establish and maintain nurturing, responsive, and respectful relationships with children and families.
Follow all DCF licensing regulations, YMCA policies, and health and safety procedures.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily reports, attendance, incident reports, and developmental observations.
Support children’s routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting (as applicable), napping, and transitions, in a calm and developmentally appropriate manner.
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom environment that meets health and safety standards.
Communicate effectively and professionally with parents/guardians regarding their child’s daily activities, progress, and needs.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Model YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit's 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 to first 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.
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
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.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:
1. Minimum age requirement - 21 years of age
2. Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
3. One - two years of experience in child care, management, or the equivalent.
4. CPR, First Aid, & AED certifications required within 30 days of employment.
5. Complete YMCA of the USA New Employee Orientation e-learning course.
6. Complete YMCA Policy and Procedures for New Employees within 60 days of employment.
7. Annually complete 10 hours of in-service training for CEU credits.
8. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position will require sudden movements, standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, running, and lifting. Ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.