Certified Teacher - Preschool

BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT Certified Teacher - Preschool

The Certified Teacher-Preschool serves as a member of the Montclair Y staff team and should maintain the qualifications for teacher status as listed in the New Jersey Department of Education policy and through Montclair Y's standards. Under the direction of Director and/or Assistant Director, and in harmony with the mission, the Certified Teacher is responsible for a variety of instructional, clerical and classroom tasks, providing a safe, fun, and positive environment for participants.

The Certified Teacher leads in the education, health, welfare, and safety of the members enrolled in their classroom and the center. The Certified Teacher must demonstrate commitment to the YMCA's four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must possess a NJ P-3 teaching certification or a Certificate of Eligibility.
• Must maintain certifications as required by the NJ Department of Education.
• Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire.
• Must have the ability to take charge of a group of children and create activities/games at a moment’s notice if needed.
• Must have stamina and physical flexibility (walking, sitting, standing, bending, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, running, stretching, reaching, climbing, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs.) to participate in children's activities and communicate with children face to face.
• Must be able to accompany children up and downstairs 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 report.
• Demonstrate warmth toward children and set positive examples using a pleasant and calm speaking voice.
• Comfort children when needed.
• Plan and deliver instructional lessons aligned with the Montclair School District's instructional objectives.
• Accompany children to playground and exterior of building to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills.
• Set up cots/mats in classroom.
• Reinforce skills using puppets, flannel boards, manipulatives etc. on a one‑to‑one or small group basis.
• Select appropriate songs and stories.
• Read and sing with class daily.
• Supervise fine and gross motor activity indoors and outside.
• Plan free play activities/afternoon activities.
• Use positive reinforcement.
• Assist children in maintaining proper personal hygiene.
• Prepare materials for lessons.
• Prepare learning center and bulletin boards.
• Serve snacks and meals.
• Maintain the classroom.
• Record and evaluate children's progress.
• Communicate with parents and directors about issues.
• Attend required meetings.
• Complete and maintain all classroom records.
• Mentor and supervise assistant teachers.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and abide by procedures managing high‑risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.
• Ensure members, volunteers and vendors are properly signed in and signed out; ensure only authorized employees, members, volunteers, and vendors are allowed in the facility.
• Provide for professional growth by attending workshops and reading.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Director and/or designee.
• Be fully aware of the policies of Geyer Early Learning Center and adhere to such guidelines daily.
• Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct oneself with professional integrity, respect the confidentiality of families served, and be an appropriate role model for children and parents.
• Always maintain a safe & healthy environment.
• Risk/Facility Management:
  All staff are responsible for assuring the safety of Y members/participants and for the care, maintenance, and safety of all Y facility/program environments. Staff must also report accidents/incidents/emergencies immediately to the Director and/or designer and 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 and meet or exceed YMCA of Montclair's expectations.
• Training/Staff Meetings:
  Attend all mandatory training and staff meetings, risk management training within specified time frames, and keep abreast of current trends in facilities and risk management.

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise