School Age Teacher

YWCA Tri-County Area•Pottstown, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

YWCA Tri-County Area is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as teachers in our STARS 4 Early Education Center in Pottstown. Our Early Education Center (EEC) vision is to create a community of learning where children experience a sense of wonder and exploration, where everyone feels a sense of connection and participates with others in ways that create new possibilities for making the world a better place. Position opportunities are based on candidates’ individual educational qualifications. We currently have assistant infant/toddler, preschool, and school age opportunities available.

Requirements

Minimum of 1-2 years of professional education experience.
An understanding of child development.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
High energy and the ability to work well with others (team members, children, families).
Ability to work with others including families and community members.
Understanding of diverse family dynamics and cultural differences with the ability to work with and empower families.
Understanding of YW3CA mission, goals, and objectives and ability to work independently with a high level of energy and contribute as part of a larger team.
Knowledge of the concepts and practices associated with early childhood education and child development issues.
Knowledge of and sensitive to the issues facing the community served.
Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, families, and members of the community.
Oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and customized databases.
Ability to follow and implement lesson plans using daily observations.
The ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels.
The ability to kneel, bend, squat or crawl and stand for periods of time in both indoor and outdoor environments.
A specific vision ability including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
The ability to lift 50 pounds.
The ability to sit on the floor and/or ground outside to be actively involved with the children.
High School Diploma or GED and college credit in early childhood education or related field of study, or CDA, or 9 hours of ECE credit (required).
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children.
Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
Must be willing to submit to background checks, in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Current Health Assessment and TB test.

Nice To Haves

Familiar with Keystone STARS (a plus)
Familiar with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Regulations a plus
Familiar with ITERS and ECERS Rating Scale
Ability to work independently; goal oriented.
Commitment to the mission and values of the YW3CA.

Responsibilities

Create a safe, nurturing environment while leading activities that elevate the overall quality of care and education.
Implement quality educational programs, build positive relationships with children and families, and observe and document children's progress to share with parents and staff.
Design and deliver developmentally appropriate activities tailored to children's interests and needs.
Understand, embody, and promote early childhood development principles in alignment with the YWCA Tri-County Area’s (YW3CA) policies, procedures, and mission statement.
Develop, prepare, and organize engaging lesson plans that align with curriculum standards and support children's developmental goals.
Actively supervise and ensure the safety of children during swimming activities and water play during summer camp sessions.
Provide reliable break coverage across all age groups, adapting quickly to the specific routines and needs of infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age classrooms.
Implement curriculum activities and encourage active participation by all children.
Lead and engage in classroom activities while managing the cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of all materials.
Model and foster self-help and good hygiene habits among children.
Ensure a smooth, welcoming daily transition from home to the childcare center for children and families.
Execute all center policies and state regulations to ensure full compliance.
Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Manage daily communications with parents through informal discussions and detailed daily reports.
Maintain a healthy, safe, and secure classroom environment by upholding strict hygiene and cleanliness standards.
Conduct and record daily observations of children's progress and interests.
Attend and participate in all in-service training and monthly staff meetings to continuously increase job performance and competency.
Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all children and family records.
Complete special projects specific to the service area as directed by the supervisor.
Guide and support families and staff using the P.E.A.C.E. model for problem-solving.
Utilize inclusive language and Conscious Discipline skills and powers across all communications.
Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations.