Head Teacher

The Preschool Head Teacher serves as a member of The Gateway Family YMCA staff team. Under the direction of the Program Director, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of The Gateway Family YMCA, the Preschool Head Teacher is responsible for the overall daily operations of their assigned classroom. The Head Teacher holds responsibility for the education, health, welfare, and safety of the members enrolled in their classroom and the center as a whole. The Preschool Head Teacher must demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA's four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

• Must possess Bachelor's degree and P-3 certification required.
• Must have at least 1 year of teaching experience in a group program for children under six years of age, which may include supervised practice teaching and/or student teaching
• Must hold a certification in child CPR/First Aid/AED or obtain within 90 days of employment.

• Must have strong organizational and teaching skills including supervision, program development and experience working with children and adults.
• Creativity, initiative, flexibility and strong communication skills are essential.
• Must have the stamina and physical flexibility (walking, sitting, standing, bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, running, stretching, reaching, climbing, lifting and carrying up to 50lbs) to participate in children's activities and communicate with children face to face.
• Must be able to accompany children up and downstairs in order to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills.
• Greet each child and parent upon arrival.
• Visually scan each child upon arrival and check for illness, disease, or any physical impairment. Note in daily reports.
• Demonstrate warmth toward children and set a positive example by always using a pleasant and calm speaking voice.
• Comfort children when needed. Evaluate each child's needs.
• Plan lessons/activities in accordance with program goals and needs of children. Submit lessons plans to Director weekly.
• Establish clear objectives for each lesson.
• Maintain a daily report on each child for personal use and parental use.
• Set up, and change on a regular basis, new learning centers in classroom.
• Select appropriate stories and songs and incorporate into the daily program.
• Assist children in learning personal hygiene.
• Evaluate student progress and write semi-annual & annual reports on each child.
• Advise parents regarding child's daily progress/problems/concerns.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences once a year and on an "as needed" basis.
• Provide a "Parent Information" center in classroom to post important notices.
• Select instructional supplies, materials and equipment annually for classroom.
• Maintain a neat and organized classroom.
• Maintain daily attendance records.
• Attend required meetings and assist with activities as requested by Director.
• Provide for professional growth through attendance at workshops, courses and reading.
• Be fully aware of the policies of The Gateway Family YMCA and adhere to such guidelines daily.
• Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct self with professional integrity, respect the confidentiality of families served, and be an appropriate role model for the children/parents.
• Always maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Supervision of Assistant Teacher.
• To be a mentor to your Assistant Teacher.
• Teach through example and explanation how to fulfill their responsibilities as it applies to your own classroom.
• Supervise your Assistant and delegate responsibilities making sure they are aware of procedures and any changes that occur daily.
• Risk/Facility Management: All Staff are responsible for assuring the safety of the Y members/participants and for the care, maintenance and safety of all Y facility/program environments. In addition, all staff are required to report accidents/incidents/emergencies, immediately to Director and/or designee. Staff must also adhere to YMCA confidentiality requirements related to all reported incidents.
• Quality Assurance: All Staff are expected to plan, deliver, and maintain quality programs, facilities and program environments. Staff will be expected to follow YMCA best practices for their program/membership discipline and to meet or exceed The Gateway Family YMCA's expectations.
• Trainings/Staff Meetings: Attend all mandatory trainings and staff meetings, risk management trainings within the specified timeframes. Keep abreast of current trends in facilities and risk management.

Mission Advancement: The incumbent shall have performed his/her duties satisfactorily when his/her staff are working at an overall good level of performance, facility care is evident, program quality and variety is in place, finances are on track, committees are meeting on time and overall image and perception of the work area is good and well-liked which will relate to increased members and retention. Models and teaches the Y's values; ensures a high level of service with a commitment to improving lives; recruits and trains and recognizes volunteers; cultivates relationships to support fundraising.

Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader building collaboration based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others. Champions inclusion and builds relationships to support small communities; empathetically listens and communicates for understanding; tailors communications to the appropriate audiences; provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement. Provides others with frameworks for making decisions; conducts prototypes to support new programs; develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team; effectively creates and manages budgets; holds staff accountable for high quality member experience.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Shares new insights; facilitates change and models adaptability; utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.