Preschool Teacher @ Y - Hayward

Overview

Position Summary Our Preschool Teachers create warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where all children can grow. Working in alignment with YMCA of the East Bay goals and required federal and state regulations—including Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education guidelines, CACFP requirements, and Community Care Licensing—Teachers support children’s learning through the Creative Curriculum. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities, observing and assessing children, and using assessment data to individualize instruction.

Teachers also partner with families to support positive learning experiences and promote each child’s developmental progress.

The role includes planning and facilitating engaging activities, observing and assessing children, and using assessment data to tailor instruction. Other essential responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement written curriculum goals in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, Project-Based Curriculum, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.
• Plan and facilitate learning activities for individuals and groups, providing direction, guidance, and visual supervision.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.
• Document the progress of each child using observation notes, work samples, and assessments in the designated online system.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences for each child annually.
• Create and maintain stimulating, organized, and inviting learning environments reflective of cultural diversity in the classroom and community.
• Develop relationships with families to foster effective partnerships and support each child’s growth and development.
• Ensure health and safety requirements are carried out according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.
• Conduct daily health checks and follow treatment/intervention plans for children with special health needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the online system for attendance, daily records, and program data.
• Monitor materials, equipment, and outdoor facilities for safety and request maintenance as needed.
• Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.
• Teach health and hygiene skills, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.
• Maintain attendance sheets and ensure proper parent sign-in/sign-out processes.
• Conduct and log monthly earthquake and fire drills.
• Attend meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth; teachers may be required to pursue AA or BA degrees.
• Maintain updated and organized files on all children and ensure required paperwork (observations, screenings, assessments) is completed on time.
• Document attendance and daily meal counts for the Child Care Food Program in the online system.
• Establish professional relationships with families and children, maintaining boundaries and confidentiality, with ongoing communication through conversations, daily notes, home visits, and parent/teacher conferences.
• Attend and participate in center staff meetings; contribute to parent center meetings or special events as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
  
  Note:
  
  Head Start requires an AA degree or above;
  Early Head Start prefers AA degree or above.
• Current Child Development permit at the Associate Teacher level or above.
• Successful completion of 12+ semester units in Early Childhood Education; for Early Head Start, completion of 6 units of infant/toddler development with grade C or above.
• Proficiency in English; bilingual or multilingual is a plus.
• 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood Programs; preference for experience in state-subsidized or Early/Head Start settings.
• Experience working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance.
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, with 15 hours of preventative health and safety training (or completion within 90 days of hire).
• Live Scan fingerprint and criminal record clearance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in high-stress situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other computer programs.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Regularly sit, use hands, talk, and hear; stand, walk, reach, and crouch as needed.
• May lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work outdoors daily and have mobility to respond quickly to emergencies.