Saratoga Universal-Pre K Teacher
About The Position
The Saratoga Regional YMCA is hiring a UPK Teacher for a full-time, 10-month position at Dorothy Nolan Elementary. The role supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The teacher plans and implements daily classroom activities and curriculum, maintains program quality in accordance with New York State Universal Pre-K (UPK) curriculum requirements and YMCA policies, and creates a safe, positive, welcoming environment that respects all individuals. The position also leads and mentors Teacher Assistants and supports the Director with administrative duties as assigned.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of teaching experience leading a classroom and planning and executing curriculum according to New York State Early Childhood standards.
- Bachelor’s degree with Birth–Grade 2 Certification, or comparable work experience with a plan to obtain certification.
Responsibilities
- Develop, plan, and implement quality classroom curriculum and student assessments, ensuring age-appropriate lessons in accordance with Creative Curriculum and YMCA philosophies.
- Ensure YMCA and/or UPK guidelines are followed for verbal interactions, learning and play techniques, and age-appropriate redirection.
- Participate actively in planning and implementing activities and delegate responsibilities to Teacher Assistants as needed.
- Develop behavioral management plans as necessary.
- Ensure classroom staff interact sensitively and patiently with children and parents and provide care suited to individual child and family needs.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure staff use appropriate verbal interactions with parents.
- Maintain accurate and timely attendance, progress, behavioral, and other program records.
- Inform families of weekly and monthly activities and display students’ work in the classroom.
- Mentor and lead Teacher Assistants.
- Support the Director with administrative duties as assigned.
- Enforce and lead YMCA and/or UPK policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
- Respond immediately to emergencies in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures and complete required reports.
- Build authentic relationships with families and parents and help them connect with each other and the YMCA.
- Communicate regularly with families through Brightwheel.
- Model the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
- Attend staff meetings and in-service training.
- Wear required and appropriate attire.
- Support other childcare programs when able to help ensure ratio compliance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life insurance paid 100% by the Saratoga Regional YMCA.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance paid 100% by the Saratoga Regional YMCA.
- Free association-wide family membership and unlimited access to YMCA facilities.
- 401(a) and 403(b) retirement accounts.
- Eligible employees receive a YMCA retirement contribution of 12% of biweekly gross earnings.
- Discounts on childcare services, including summer camp.
- 20% discount on program classes for employees and dependents, subject to availability during regular registration periods.
- 40% discount on childcare services and day camps, with a limited number of discounted slots depending on enrollments.
- Access to fitness classes, workshops, and wellness initiatives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
