Early Learning Professional Parental Leave

The Young Women's Christian Association of Kalamazoo, Mich•Kalamazoo, MI

About The Position

This position will support full-time care for infants ages 6 weeks-15 months in a structured early learning environment. This position is temporary and ineligible for benefits. Start date occurs immediately, and remains until June, 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Significant and relevant post-high school education or training in early childhood education or child/family-related field, but at minimum meet the requirements for a Lead Teacher as required by State of Michigan Child Care Licensing.
Two years of experience working with young children and families in some capacity at minimum. Licensed childcare experience preferred.
Ability to meet requirements of Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing.
Must pass criminal and child abuse and neglect history checks.
Able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of Creative Curriculum (curriculum), Teaching Strategies GOLD (developmental assessment tool), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (developmental screener) preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the trauma-responsive and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) childcare strategies required of all program personnel.
Assists children in all daily activities including, but not limited to, instruction, play, rest, toileting, personal hygiene, dressing and eating.
Organizes and implements age-appropriate learning activities/ experiences with individual children and small and large groups within the approved curriculum.
Engages collaboratively with classroom personnel to implement the lessons and activities as guided by Child Development Specialists/Lead Teachers.
Positively supports efforts for child behavioral observation and management, including implementing care interventions as coached to tailor care for each child’s unique needs.
Supervises and engages in children’s activities to ensure safety, promote learning and socialization, and create an environment of joy and play for children.
Satisfactorily completes and demonstrates necessary competency following 40 hours of pre-service training.
Works cooperatively with the assigned site coach and all other personnel to resolve any programmatic or family concerns including but not limited to communication, service delivery, quality, and curriculum, and other duties as assigned such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness, and using time effectively.
Demonstrates high dependability, including regular attendance for all assigned hours and timely notifications for necessary absences.
On assigned duties, such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness and using time effectively (Coach).
Participates in mealtime activities with the children to encourage good eating habits, good table manners, conversation and clean-up.
Accompanies and supervises children on field trips.
Sustains high engagement with all children in assigned classroom, including high attentiveness, active play and activity participation, and meaningful relational connection.
Receives feedback and coaching with curiosity and an interest in improving
Builds and sustains healthy, positive relationships with all children, families, and personnel
Participates meaningfully in trainings on racial justice and gender equity and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive, equitable practice
Monitors and reports to coach health status of children for illness or areas of concern.
Completes casefile documentation accurately and timely
Completes time and attendance reports accurately and timely
Maintains an orderly and hygienic environment, including regular tidying, cleaning, and sanitization
Observes all Children’s Center and YWCA policies and procedures.
Participate in 4 hours of out of classroom training, supervision, and admin weekly.
Participate in 3 hours of classroom coaching weekly.
Demonstrates satisfactory performance in routine performance reviews.
Complies with applicable local, state and federal licensing requirements/certification and/or regulations.
Complies with association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
Safeguards confidential information gained as a result of the position.
As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, the Association, and the program.
Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
Performs other duties as assigned.