Lead Teacher ELP

The Young Women's Christian Association of Kalamazoo, Mich•Kalamazoo, MI

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher works within a teaching team to support the care and development of children ages 6 weeks to under 3 years in a structured early learning environment. The position organizes and delivers age-appropriate learning experiences within the approved curriculum, observes and assesses children, promotes their safety and development, and communicates with families. The role also supports classroom preparation, program operations, licensing compliance, and the YWCA’s policies and mission.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Significant and relevant post-high-school education or training in early childhood education or child- or family-related fields, or an associate's or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Elementary Education.
CDA in infants and toddlers.
Two years of classroom experience after CDA certification.
Two years of experience working with young children in a licensed childcare facility.
Understanding of Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
Evidence of accurate record-keeping and data-collection skills.
Ability to maintain positive working relationships with team members.
Strong teamwork, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to meet Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing requirements.
Satisfactory responses to criminal history and child abuse and neglect history checks.
Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting or moving of more than 25 pounds and occasional lifting or moving of more than 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Organize and implement age-appropriate learning activities for individual children and small and large groups within the approved curriculum.
Observe and assess children using Teaching Strategies GOLD and ASQ-3/ASQ-SE.
Conduct parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
Supervise children to ensure safety and promote socialization and enjoyment.
Work with the assistant site director to address programmatic or family concerns, including communication, service delivery, quality, curriculum, personnel, and assessment.
Complete assigned duties with the assistant site director, such as preparing activity materials, maintaining room cleanliness, and using time effectively.
Participate in mealtime activities to encourage good eating habits, table manners, conversation, and cleanup.
Accompany and supervise children on field trips.
Assist children with daily activities, including toileting, personal hygiene, dressing, and eating.
Continue self-education on anti-bias education, racial justice, and gender equity issues.
Monitor children's health for signs of illness or other concerns and report them to parents and the assistant director.
Clean up after activities.
Communicate verbally and/or in writing with parents about children's daily activities, progress, and behavior.
Observe Children’s Center and YWCA policies and procedures.
Participate in two hours of training and four hours of administrative and classroom preparation weekly.
Comply with applicable local, state, and federal licensing and certification requirements and regulations.
Comply with association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
Safeguard confidential information obtained through the position.
Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.
Perform other duties as assigned.