Early Childhood Lead Teacher

YMCA of Rock River Valley•Rockford, IL

53d•$19 - $22

About The Position

This role is crucial to the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Lead Teacher will play a critical role in the successful operation of their designated YMCA classroom. This role develops and leads high-quality early childhood activities that foster each childs growthphysically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The lead teacher provides a positive classroom experience for children and families, implements age-appropriate curriculum, and supports all age groups as needed within the program.

Requirements

Minimum age of 19 years old
High school diploma or equivalent required; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Must have completed 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours in courses directly related to childcare and/or development from birth to age six; or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); or 1 year of child development experience and 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours directly related to child care and/or development from birth to age six
CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days
Current Praesidium Academy trainings
Upon Hire: Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test
Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary)
A minimum of 3 written references
Register with Gateways to Opportunity
Ability to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar year
Complete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFS

Nice To Haves

Training in ECERS/ITERS Quality Rating Scale trainings and assessments
ExcelleRate Illinois Early Childhood Credential Level 3 or higher preferred
Training in Creative Curriculum and Assessment preferred

Responsibilities

Leads and implements developmentally appropriate practices supporting a structured learning environment.
Ensures high quality, developmental activities and establishes new interactive learning opportunities.
Writes and creates lesson plans that support widely held expectations and development.
Works hands-on inside the program equipping and leading the children and staff.
Helps lead and develop program new hires and volunteers.
Helps review and evaluate staff performance as needed.
Develops and maintains relationships with enrolled students.
Creates an attentive, nurturing environment for participants in which they can thrive.
May assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.
Helps operate program within pre-determined budget.
Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas.
Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities, supplies and equipment and ensures the physical environment is supportive for youth development.
Develops and maintains effective relationships with parents.
Responds to all parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
Leads parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
Helps maintain proper records such as incident reports, developmental screenings, and childrens files.
Responsible for developmental screening and milestone assessments, e.g., Ages and Stages questionnaires and Teaching Strategies Gold.
Helps organize and deliver special events for parents and children.
Responsible for all cleaning and sanitizing of the classrooms and equipment.
Maintains tidiness of all activity spaces and classrooms.
Provides an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
Provides active and constant supervision at all times including free play, structured learning and nap time.
Provides support to all classrooms and age-groups as needed.
Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

Benefits

Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
Employee Crisis Fund
Employee Assistance Program
Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
Tickets At Work Discount Program
401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
Free Family Membership
3 Paid Floating Holidays
10.5 Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
Short-Term Disability Program
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications
Free individual Membership
Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category