Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

The Millworks location of the Whatcom Family YMCA's early learning program is excited to welcome a new Lead PreK teacher to our team! Our PreK classroom is home to 20 children, ages 4-5 years of age, with 2-3 teachers during the day. This is a full time position that will be a Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:15 shift (with a 45 minute lunch break).

The Lead PreK teacher will be in charge of planning the classroom schedule and activities (using Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold), managing supplies, organizing and overseeing classroom assistants, communicating with families, and working alongside the director and program supervisor to create a positive, thriving learning environment for an amazing group of children.

Ideally, applicants will have experience working with groups of 3-5 year olds, planning curriculum/activities, directing adults in the classroom, and be interested in furthering their education (if needed) in early childhood education.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Lead Pre-K Teacher at the Whatcom Family YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.

• Supervises the children, classroom, and all program activities.
• Mentors and directs the focus of the Assistant Teachers.
• Follows all procedures and standard as established by the law or the Y; makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Create and follow the Pre-K daily schedule of activities, transitions, meals, and napping using best practices in early childhood learning and development.
• Works in collaboration with the Director, Program Supervisor and Assistant Teachers to create and engage children in a play-based curriculum, with an emphasis on social-emotional development; and arrange the environment using the ECERS environmental rating scale.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Be comfortable engaging in large motor activities with children such as beginning swimming and rock climbing.
• Collects documentation for use in child assessment and portfolios.