Job Description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Farmingdale - Association Office - Farmingdale, NY 11735Position Type: Full Time (Benefits Eligible)Education Level: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS)Salary Range: $25.00 - $30.00 HourlyJob Shift: Weekday only (Monday to Friday)Job Category: Early Childhood Education
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Lead UPK Teacher, under the direction of the UPK Program Director, is an experienced individual who will plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of all students in the classroom.   The Lead Teacher works within the YMCA Philosophy of Education to ensure a safe, warm and welcoming environment, while following policies and procedures. The Lead Teacher will plan developmentally appropriate curriculum according to the School District requirements, conduct student assessments, create individualized plans, facilitate family engagement, oversee the Classroom Assistants, who aid in the execution of activities. Responsibilities also include communicating effectively with the parents/guardians by keeping them up to date on their children’s progress and providing a nurturing and caring environment for the children. The Lead Teacher maintains ratio and ensures the safety of children at all times.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Implement and design curriculum within the established guidelines as per the school district and YMCA of Long Island, including daily lesson/activity plans.
Create developmentally appropriate curriculum as per School District and written lesson plans and submit them to the Program Director two weeks prior to implementation for review and approval.
Ensure all lesson plans are accessible and available to Assistant Teacher’s at all times, including in the event of the Lead Teacher’s absence.
Manage and fully supervise children, classroom, Teacher Assistants and all activities.
Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child in classroom.
Conduct parent conferences and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engage parents as volunteers.
Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise performance as related to the curriculum and school district philosophy.
Mentor Teacher Assistants to enhance continued professional growth.
Maintain all records including attendance, incident reports, daily logs, and parent sign in and out book, in compliance with HR procedures, state and other agency regulations as appropriate.
Maintain classroom equipment, ensure healthy and safe classroom environment.
Participate in YMCA  or School District special events as required.
Model and enforce appropriate positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
Participate in required trainings and workshops to continue to enhance professional growth.
Participates in all mandated child abuse prevention trainings through Praesidium Academy to ensure YMCA of Long Island policies and procedures are consistently understood, implemented, and upheld.  Report any allegations of abuse to supervisor immediately.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Works with Program Director to determine and establish key goals annually.
Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
Adhere to all School District, Department of Health and YMCA of Long Island standards, expectations and regulations.
Maintain hygiene habits in accordance with CDC guidelines
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
Inclusion
Emotional Maturity
Communication and Influence
Functional Expertise
Critical Thinking and Decision Making
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:
Valid NYS Teaching Certification (Preferably Early Childhood Education Birth – grade 2) & a Masters in Early Childhood Education, or a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education is required.
Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a group setting, preferably with preschool age group.
Strong knowledge and understanding of youth development principles.
Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
Knowledge of birth to age five (5) in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management and effective parental communication.
Knowledge of YMCA policies, procedures, and requirements as well as NYS OCFS, NAEYC, DOH, and CDC.
Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels including staff, parents, and community partners.
Ability to problem solve and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required.
Child Abuse Prevention, Health and Safety from NYS OCFS within 30 days of hire.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of outdoor/indoor settings.