EEC Preschool Lead Teacher

West Suburban YMCA • Newton, MA

1d

About The Position

The EEC Preschool Lead Teacher supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The role provides direction for children in the classroom and implements curriculum, creating a quality experience for children and parents centered on achievement, belonging, and relationships. The teacher works collaboratively in an inclusive team-teaching environment and models professional behavior and high standards. During summer months, the position transitions to a Camp Pikati leader for preschool-aged children.

This is a full-time, year-round position working Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The preschool is open from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and shifts to a summer-camp setting during the summer. The hourly rate is $28.00–$33.00, depending on education, experience, and certifications.

Requirements

• Complete 3 credits in Child Development coursework and 9 credits in three different categories of study within Early Childhood Education.
• Hold EEC Lead Teacher Certification.
• Obtain Child CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire.
• Meet the applicable previous-experience requirement: 9 months with a bachelor’s degree in a related field; 18 months with an associate degree in a related field or bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field; 27 months with an EEC certificate or associate degree in an unrelated field; or 36 months with a high school diploma.
• Commit to supporting the organization’s anti-racist work, learn about its initiatives, and be able to discuss them with members when needed.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate activities with other staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to report to work regularly and punctually.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Understand that the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Be flexible, creative, visionary, and exercise good judgment when making educational decisions.
• Maintain a positive, calm, and enthusiastic attitude.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum during the school year and programming for Camp Pikati during summer months.
• Nurture children through purposeful programming that supports achievement, belonging, and relationships among children and families.
• Supervise children, the classroom, and activities, including appropriate ADA accommodations.
• Follow YMCA, state, and local standards, procedures, and policies, including safety, cleanliness, medical and disciplinary situations, child-abuse prevention, and emergencies.
• Support the organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging commitments and strategies.
• Model early-childhood best practices and positive classroom management during the school year, and positive day-camp practices during summer.
• Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child during the school year.
• Conduct parent conferences, maintain effective communication with parents, engage parents as volunteers, and connect them to the YMCA.
• Conduct child assessments and report outcomes to families during the school year.
• Maintain the program site, equipment, and required records.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including summer camp training.
• Plan and implement culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate activities consistent with YMCA values.
• Maintain positive relations with parents and staff and model relationship-building skills.
• Mentor and serve as a role model to teachers, teacher assistants, and camp staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Group health insurance with vision and prescription drug coverage
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid retirement contribution once vested, including a stated 12% retirement contribution once vested
• YMCA membership
• Access to child care services
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED