Lead Teacher

YMCA Virginia Peninsulas•Newport News, VA

15d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, the Lead Teacher manages and supervises an assigned classroom of children and implements lesson plans and classroom activities. The role supports each child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. The Lead Teacher may supervise the program when the Director is absent and works with staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff. The position advances the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission and seeks to maintain high-quality service, a safe and stimulating classroom, and compliance with applicable state licensing requirements.

Requirements

Minimum age of 21.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent experience required; core competency and coursework required by the Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers.
At least one year of experience in group care of children.
At least one year of staff-supervision experience.
Working knowledge of the Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certification required within 30 days of hire.
Proof of a negative TB test within the last two years.
Complete and maintain required training, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Satisfactory criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.
Medication Administration (MAT) certification required within 30 days of hire.
Ability to observe children, assess whether behavior is appropriate, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Ability to communicate and work with assigned age groups and skill levels and provide instruction to preschool childcare participants.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid.
Physical strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of children.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
YMCA Team Leader competencies: Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Emotional Maturity, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, and Philanthropy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals, and model the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Implement developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum in accordance with YMCA goals and policies.
Supervise children within sight and sound, track their whereabouts, and maintain an accurate count of children in the assigned group.
Develop daily activity calendars and lesson plans that stimulate learning.
Oversee classroom staff and volunteers in accordance with YMCA policies and philosophy.
Maintain an educationally stimulating, safe, inviting, and flexible classroom environment.
Maintain accurate child attendance and incident reports in compliance with state licensing requirements.
Request supplies and materials from the Director or designated supervisor when needed.
Conduct daily health checks and supervise children’s personal hygiene needs.
Communicate daily with staff, parents, and the Director.
Attend staff meetings and in-service training to meet additional Department of Social Services education requirements.
Assist with public relations and attend program-related parent and parent-child events.
Manage classroom discipline and demonstrate positive behavioral-control methods in accordance with YMCA policies and philosophy.
Maintain professional conduct and wear a staff uniform and name tag, or appropriate professional attire.
Maintain confidentiality concerning children and their families.
Pursue professional development through reading journals, community involvement, and further education.
Supervise the program when the Director is absent, as needed.
Maintain a clean and organized environment and follow department Association standards.
Provide ongoing staff supervision and training related to abuse risk, and follow mandated abuse-reporting requirements.
Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts, including Annual Support and United Way campaigns.
Lead in emergencies, report accidents and incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan, and follow the branch Emergency Operations Plan.
Carry out other related duties assigned by the Preschool Director and branch administration to support program success and the safety of children and staff.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
Help achieve branch membership growth and retention, member satisfaction, a positive YMCA image, a pleasant staff environment, strong relationships, facility safety and cleanliness, and department quality and licensure standards.