Lead Teacher - Toddlers Job Lock Haven area,Pennsylvania USA,Education / Teaching

POSITION SUMMARY: Monday through Friday—must be available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for opening or closing duties.

The Lead Teacher is responsible for guiding and instructing children through creative planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate daily program of activities promoting each child's affective, cognitive, physical, perceptual-motor, communicative and social competence. The position involves the close supervision of the Assistant Teacher enhancing a team teaching approach to ensure the safe and healthy care and management of children in a nurturing environment.

Involvement includes maintaining contact and open communication with parents, program staff and community resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree AND teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (PreK – 4 or N
- 3) and two (2) years' work experience related to the care and education of preschool-age children.

Compliance with Act 33, to include documentation of Child Abuse History (Form CY‑113), Criminal History (Form SP4‑164), FBI fingerprinting, National Sex Offender Registry Verification (NSOR‑V), and Mandated Reporter training.

Above clearances must be completed prior to working with children at the YMCA but are not needed at time of hire.

Biennial physical examination and initial TB (Mantoux) Test and freedom from any infectious or communicable disease.

Ability to work with and relate well to young children and coworkers.

Ability to supervise adults.

Successfully complete the New Staff Orientation and mandated reporter training before starting in the classroom.

CPR, First Aid, AED certifications within 60 days of hire date.

Ability to plan, organize and implement age‑appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.

Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Ability and desire to convert Instructional I teaching certificate to Instructional II within six (6) years of initial service.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Teacher supervises the assistant teacher(s) in their classroom. All department staff are responsible for each other’s safety and well-being.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Demonstrates appropriate interactions with children:

Interacts frequently with children showing affection, interest, and respect.

Makes self available and is responsive to children.

Speaks with children in a friendly, courteous manner.

Talks with individual children, and encourages children of all ages to use language.

Treats children of all races, religions, family backgrounds, and cultures equally with respect and consideration.

Provides all children with equal opportunities to take part in all activities.

Encourages independence in children, as they are ready.

Uses positive approaches to help children behave constructively.

Refrains from use of physical punishment or negative discipline methods that hurt, frighten or humiliate children.

Helps children deal with anger, sadness and frustration by comforting, identifying, reflecting feelings, and helping children use words to solve their problems.

Encourage prosocial behavior in children such as cooperating, helping taking turns, talking to solve problems.

Expectations of children's social behavior are developmentally appropriate.

Encourages children to talk about feelings and ideas instead of solving problems with force.

Establishes and maintains a safe and healthful learning environment:

14. Maintains an efficient, well‑arranged classroom including interest areas that provide direction and a sense of organization.

15. Keeps equipment and materials in good repair and stored in a safe, orderly fashion.

16. Keeps equipment and materials sanitized and clean.

17. Provides materials and activities appropriate for the children's developmental progress and individual learning styles.

18. Implements a well‑established positive routine adapted to the needs of children.

19. Encourages daily health routines with children including tooth brushing and hand washing.

20. Provides adequate supervision ensuring the safety of active…