Child Development Center Lead Teacher

Ann Arbor YMCA•Ann Arbor, MI

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About The Position

The Make A Living And A Difference Place Build a career where your work brings people together and strengthens community ever day The Ann Arbor YMCA Child Development Center is hiring an experienced full-time Early Childhood Education Lead Teachers. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That's why our childcare programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. POSITION SUMMARY: The Lead Teacher is responsible for supervising early childhood participants and implementation of the program designed for Early Preschoolers (2 ½ -3 ½ years) and Preschoolers (3 ½ - 5 years). The Lead Teacher is responsible for direct leadership of a classroom, including but not limited to implementation of the curriculum; adaptations to curriculum to meet student needs; student observations, developmental assessments and reports; supervision of assigned teachers and/or aides; and parent communication. They must ensure a warm, nurturing, safe and loving environment, where self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged, and individuality respected. They are also responsible for providing a program that fosters children’s social, physical, spiritual and mental growth.

Requirements

Must be 19 years old or older.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
At least one-year of experience working with early childhood aged youth is required; two years is strongly preferred.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, and an ability to work in a team-setting are required.
Must have certification in infant, child and adult CPR and First Aid.
An interest and ability in developing and implementing creative programming with the goal of teaching YMCA core values is necessary.
A patient, high-energy, and goal-oriented attitude is essential.
Ability to be responsive to the needs, wants, and interests of both the parents and youth enrolled in the Early Childhood Programs.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
Must be able to lift/assist in lifting an average size child up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time.

Nice To Haves

An associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development-family studies, early childhood special education, or elementary education with a concentration in early childhood education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement program activities that provide youth with experiences in the developmental areas of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual.
Plan all daily activities and weekly themes in a developmentally appropriate manner, making use of the resources available to you, including but not limited to: High Scope Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, CATCH, HEPA, etc.
Ensure the program is creative and stimulating and developmentally and age appropriate. Incorporate Character Development and 40 Developmental Assets into the daily program.
Provide and ensure continuous supervision at all times, including during play and game activities with children, as to maintain order and discipline.
Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for all people’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
Keep the safety of children as the priority; know how to recognize suspected child abuse and neglect and implementing reporting procedures, as required by the State of Michigan and the Ann Arbor YMCA.
Prepare the classroom environment to enhance each participant’s learning through active exploration and interaction with adults, peers, and materials in learning centers such as dramatic play, blocks, science, math, games/puzzles, books, music, etc. as outlined by the curriculum and NAEYC.
Effectively communicate in a pleasant and positive manner with children, families, YMCA members and YMCA staff members.
Use abilities such as attention to detail, multitasking, and strong oral, auditory and written communication skills to interact with adults and children daily.
Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.