Preschool Lead Teacher

At the East Orange YMCA Childcare Center, we believe in fostering an environment where young minds can thrive! 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. We are seeking a candidate who is a team player and passionate about teaching young learners.

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

POSITION SUMMARY: 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. 

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.   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/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.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations. This work requires the following physical activities: bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual acuity.  Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

BENEFITS

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Additional compensation includes:

• 12% retirement upon eligibility
• Medical and dental plan
• HSA and FSA plans
• 403b plan
• Generous PTO plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

Candidates must apply through the Metro YMCA website - www.metroymcas.org.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Additional compensation includes:

• 12% retirement upon eligibility
• Medical and dental plans
• HSA and FSA plans
• 403b plan
• generous PTO plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Complimentary use of YMCA facilities.