Lead Teacher - ECC

YMCA of The Inland Northwest•Spokane, WA

About The Position

The Lead Teacher supports the YMCA’s mission by directing a classroom and planning creative programs for children. The role builds positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers; nurtures each child’s learning and development; and communicates with families about children’s needs and progress. The Lead Teacher maintains a safe, organized learning environment and follows applicable Washington State DCYF licensing, Early Achievers, YMCA, and ADA requirements. The position requires previous experience working with children in a developmental and diverse setting. The employee must have, or be willing to obtain within five years of hire, an Early Childhood Education Certificate. Additional health, safety, training, and background-check requirements apply before the first day, on the first day, or within 30 days of hire, as outlined in the posting. The work environment includes regular exposure to communicable diseases and frequent handwashing and use of disinfectants. The employee frequently lifts and carries children and engages with them in stationary and upright positions. Occasional exposure to chlorine may occur in pool areas. Close and distance vision are required, and noise is usually moderate to loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made for employees with disabilities.

Requirements

Must have, or be willing to receive within five years of hire, an Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Previous experience working with children in a developmental, diverse setting.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities.
Negative TB test from within the past six months and MMR vaccination required before the first day.
Register in DCYF MERIT, complete Blood Borne Pathogens training, and apply for a portable background check on the first day of hire.
Complete Child Abuse Prevention training, First Aid/CPR certifications, obtain a Food Handlers Permit, and complete 30 Hours Basic Training or an Educational Exemption within 30 days of hire.
Understand the YMCA’s commitment to public accommodation, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers, supporting each child’s learning and success.
Lead the assigned classroom by supervising, designing, and delivering engaging, nurturing, purposeful programming.
Follow Washington State DCYF licensing, Early Achievers, YMCA, ADA accommodation, procedural, and safety standards.
Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of children and help maintain program records as requested by the supervisor.
Communicate with parents and caregivers about children’s needs and progress, conduct family conferences, and connect families to the YMCA.
Maintain program sites and equipment, and keep the classroom clean, organized, and ready for learning.
Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
Demonstrate the YMCA character principles of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in interactions with staff, participants, and the public.

Benefits

Family YMCA membership with program discounts.
Paid sick time accruing at 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.
Medical, dental, flexible spending accounts for medical or dependent care, long-term disability, and life insurance.
Medical insurance starting at $45 per month for employee-only coverage.
10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation accruing at 7.66 hours per month, starting at 11 days per year.
Early Learning Child Care discounts: $400 per month for infant or toddler classrooms and $300 per month for preschool classrooms.
Up to two hours of Child Watch services per day, per child, while the employee is on site and working.
Flexible schedules.
Retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after two years of service, subject to working 1,000 or more hours in each anniversary year.