State Pre K Lead Teacher

YMCA OF PAWTUCKET•Pawtucket, RI

7d•$24 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Park YMCA Early Learning Center is seeking a temporary State Pre-K Lead Teacher for November, December, and January, with potential for extended employment. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director and/or Education Coordinator, the Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall operation of an assigned classroom and for maintaining instruction aligned with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS). The role supports the YMCA’s work in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Lead Teacher develops a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment; plans standards-based curriculum; observes and assesses children; documents classroom and child progress; and communicates with families. The position also involves supervising and supporting a Teacher Assistant, complying with state and program standards, attending required meetings and trainings, and participating in family engagement activities and professional development. The role is expected to work 40 hours per week in the building on an agreed schedule. Start time is 7:30 a.m. or later depending on the class schedule, and teachers must arrive at least 30 minutes before class begins. Lead Teachers are expected to be present for the 180 days children are in the classroom, except when sick. On Heritage Park building cancellation days, the position is expected to work remotely under expectations provided by the Education Coordinator.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from an accredited college.
At least 21 years of age.
Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within three months of hire.
Obtain or begin the requirements for the RIELDS certificate within three months of hire.
Meet all DHS and YMCA employment qualifications.
Ability to understand and comply with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention policies.
Complete a criminal background check and screening in accordance with YMCA standards.
Complete required Child Abuse Prevention training before and throughout employment.
Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.
Ability to work 40 hours in the building on an agreed-upon schedule and arrive at least 30 minutes before class begins.
Ability to attend work for the 180 days children are present in the classroom, except when sick.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit, including on the floor, for extended periods.
Ability to lift or assist children weighing up to 50 pounds and lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to remain alert while standing or sitting for several hours and to bend, lean, kneel, and walk.
Ability to communicate effectively and respond visually and auditorily to critical situations, including acting swiftly in an emergency.
Ability to work around communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

Nice To Haves

RI PK-2 Teaching Certification.

Responsibilities

Operate the assigned classroom under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director and/or Education Coordinator.
Maintain classroom instruction in accordance with Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards and RI State Pre-K Performance Standards.
Build warm, professional relationships with children and families.
Maintain health and safety standards and ensure appropriate active supervision of children, particularly in bathrooms, on the playground, and during transitions.
Complete program assessments, screenings, and documentation in Teaching Strategies Gold Online according to the established timeline.
Develop integrated, developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Track daily attendance, activities, and meals using ProCare (CACFP).
Maintain classroom cleanliness, including countertops, sinks, and tables.
Greet families and children as they enter or leave the classroom or building.
Ensure the Teacher Assistant understands the daily plan and can support children's needs.
Support children's social and emotional development and use positive guidance strategies, including Conscious Discipline.
Arrange the classroom to support children's developmental goals, using ECERS-3 as a guide.
Observe and document each child's progress through authentic assessment to inform instruction and curriculum.
Communicate children's progress to families through Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tools and conferences; obtain approval for Family Conference Forms before sending them.
Submit lesson plans and newsletters to the Education Coordinator according to the established schedule.
Remain familiar with DHS licensing regulations and the Family Handbook.
Develop an annual Professional Development Plan aligned with RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, including 20 hours of related training.
Attend staff trainings, parent/staff meetings, required program meetings, and other mandatory meetings.
Complete assigned duties and provide coverage as directed by the Education Coordinator or Program Director.
Participate in four Family Engagement Activities, actively plan one of the four Family Engagement Nights, attend the September Family Advisory Meeting, and attend one additional meeting during the school year.
Work remotely on Heritage Park building cancellation days as directed.
Submit personal appointments requiring time away from the classroom through Checkwriters as sick time for approval, with documentation for personal appointments during the workday.
Communicate schedule changes to the supervisor in advance.