Lead Toddler Teacher

Position Summary

Develop and teach a high quality, well-rounded, age appropriate curriculum; while providing care, guidance and developmental experiences in accordance with YMCA guidelines and State Licensing requirements.  

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability requires. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience R.I. Certificate in Early Childhood Education; or Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited or approved institution or higher education; and have minimum of three months supervised teaching experience; or   Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited or approved institution of higher education and have met the course work and experience requirements defined in the Rhode Island Early Childhood certification standards.  
• Certifications / Training: Within first two months of employment: Pediatric CPR/ First Aid Certification, Child Abuse Prevention
• Participating in ongoing education in early childhood development  
• Must complete a minimum of 20 hours of training per year, i.e. attendance at Early Childhood Conference, Child Care Symposium and Y’s Way to Child Care program offerings.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Include the following. Other duties may be assigned Develop and teach a well-rounded curriculum in accordance with YMCA guidelines and State Licensing requirements with assistance of other staff members.
• Supervise and evaluate staff regularly; reviewing staff effectiveness and individual performance and recommending any annual wage increase to the Child Care Director.
• Work directly with the Child Care Director in the implementation of the program and its policies.
• Make appropriate referrals of suspected instances of child abuse or need for special education.
• Gear the program to the needs of individual children with concerns for their interest, handicaps; special talent, diversity and individual style and pace of learning.
• Keep abreast of the trends and needs in child care and plan for ways to meet those needs.
• Treat children with dignity and respect.
• Help children to become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
• Provide supervision and demonstrate the ability to set and maintain limits for children using positive reinforcement.
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences on children’s school adjustment and classroom behavior.
• Develop a plan for parental involvement in the program
• Responsible for maintenance of equipment, supplies and snack inventory. Report needs to Child Care Director.
• Be responsible for the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor and learning environment of the classroom.
• Responsible for maintaining the necessary records involving attendance and sign-in and sign-out sheets.
• When releasing child(ren), ensure that the proper release procedures are followed and appropriate identification is shown.
• Maintain good public relations with parent. Understand that you represent the YMCA and maintain a positive disposition, demeanor and attire. Attempt to answer parent concerns or make appropriate referrals to your supervisor.
• Work in harmony and cooperation with the staff, volunteers and members of the YMCA.
• To ensure the health and safety of all the children, i.e. caution regarding unsafe practices and conditions and perform rescue/first aid when necessary. Report accidents and injuries and complete incident reports.
• Responsible for attending staff meetings/events.
• Demonstrate and teach the character development values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Participate in recommended training programs, conferences, courses and other aspect of professional growth.  
• Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervise 1-4 employees in the Child Care Department.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the YMCA Guidelines and State Licensing requirements.