Head Teacher Eastford Elementary School

YMCA Of Greater Hartford•Putnam, CT

1d•$18 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Child Development Director and Childcare Coordinator, the Head Teacher is responsible for the overall operations of the classroom and provides high-quality recreational activities and experiences.

Requirements

Knowledge of school age development.
Knowledge of preschool development.
Warm and nurturing personality.
Must be able to work in school-age and preschool classrooms, possibly working with children with communicable diseases and disabilities.
Personal qualifications as required by applicable licensing standards: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities.
At least three (3) credits in school age or elementary education from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
A degree in any field from a regionally accredited higher education institution PLUS current (not expired) Connecticut State Department of Education elementary education teacher certification.
A high school diploma PLUS completion of the 45 hours of school age/elementary education online training via an OEC Registry account as designated by the OEC.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
At least 360 hours of documented supervised experience working directly with children under the age of six in a legally operating child care center or group child care home.
At least one semester of student teaching with children under the age of six.
High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 1,080 hours of documented supervised experience working directly with children under the age of six in a legally operating child care center.
Current center-based Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition; OR 12 credits in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
OEC approval as a Head Teacher before January 1, 1994.
At least 240 hours of documented supervised experience working directly with a group of school age children in a licensed childcare program, licensed youth camp program, or an equivalent program as determined at the sole discretion of the Office.
Must meet the applicable experience requirements for OEC Head Teacher certification based on the qualifying education pathway outlined above.
The ability to supervise children at all times by sight and sound and provide verbal direction.
The ability to move around a room and quickly react to safety issues (i.e., climbing, aggressive behavior).
Ability to remain calm, objective, and respectful in potentially stressful situations (i.e., crying or upset children, upset parents, or upset staff).
The ability to move around the room to assist and supervise children with daily activities, social interaction, and physical and emotional needs, including sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, and crouching.
Ability to lift objects up to 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.

Responsibilities

Supervises and implements classroom activities, including outdoor play activities, using positive discipline techniques to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Serve our diverse communities equitably and act with an inclusive, anti-racist lens always; promote a brave, respectful culture at the Y.
Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculums and submit timely forms and reports.
Responsible for planning and documenting program according to state guidelines.
Maintain open lines of communication with families and work with other staff members to ensure that the needs of individual children are met.
Attend and actively participate in supervision, multi-component, and staff meetings.
Assist in the preparation of materials, equipment, and information for the daily program and take daily attendance.
Use appropriate food handling, sanitation, and OSHA procedures at all times.
Conduct monthly fire drills, lockdown drills, and other emergency drills.
Maintain classroom and storage materials in a neat, orderly, and safe manner.
Display and uphold YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Consistently demonstrate caring for the community we serve, for one another, and for the organization they are part of, and contribute to building trust, pride, and camaraderie.
Maintain confidentiality of child and family information.
Supervise a group of children.
Assist in maintaining all center policies and OEC state regulations.
Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 per year.
Post University Tuition Discount: 50% off tuition.
FREE YMCA Membership: Valued at $750 annually.
Childcare Discounts: Available to eligible employees. Discounts vary based on full-time or part-time employment status.
Program Discounts: Discounts on swim lessons, summer camp, sports, and other YMCA programs.
Paid Time Off: Available to eligible employees.
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Available to full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week. The YMCA covers 90% of employee medical premiums for eligible high-deductible health plans.
Generous Retirement Savings: The YMCA contributes 12% of gross pay toward retirement for eligible full-time and part-time employees after two years of service, provided they work at least 1,000 hours each year (approximately 20 hours per week).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential counseling, services, and resources to support employees.
FREE SNOO Rental: Free six-month SNOO rental for expecting parents working 20 or more hours per week.