Certified Teacher - Preschool

Certified Teacher–Preschool

The Certified Teacher‑Preschool is a member of the Montclair Y staff team and is required to meet the qualifications for teacher status as outlined by the New Jersey Department of Education and Montclair Y standards. Under the direction of the Director and/or Assistant Director, and in alignment with the mission and policies of Montclair Y, the Certified Teacher‑Preschool is responsible for a variety of instructional, clerical, and classroom tasks.

The role creates a safe, fun, and positive environment for participants, ensuring the education, health, welfare, and safety of the children in their care. The Certified Teacher must demonstrate a commitment to the YMCA’s four Core Values:
Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Must possess a New Jersey P‑3 teaching certification or a Certificate of Eligibility.
• Must maintain certifications required by the New Jersey Department of Education.
• Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire.
• Must be able to take charge of a group of children and devise activities or games on short notice.
• 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 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 for illness, disease, or physical impairment; note findings in the daily report.
• Demonstrate warmth toward children and set positive examples with a pleasant, calm speaking voice.
• Comfort children when needed.
• Plan and deliver instructional lessons aligned with the Montclair School District’s objectives.
• Accompany children to the playground and building exterior to supervise activities such as outdoor play and fire drills.
• Set up cots/mats in the 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 to the class daily.
• Supervise fine and gross motor activity indoors and outdoors.
• Plan free‑play and afternoon activities.
• Use positive reinforcement.
• Assist children in maintaining personal hygiene.
• Prepare materials for lessons.
• Prepare learning center and bulletin boards.
• Serve snacks and meals.
• Maintain the classroom environment.
• 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 follow procedures for high‑risk activities and member supervision.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.
• Ensure that members, volunteers, and vendors are properly signed in and out, and that only authorized individuals are allowed in the facility.
• Provide professional growth by attending workshops and reading.
• Complete other duties as requested by the Director and/or designee.
• Maintain loyalty to the Y, conduct oneself with professional integrity, respect the confidentiality of families served, and serve as an appropriate role model for children and parents.
• Always maintain a safe and 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 the all‑Y facility/program environments. 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, following YMCA best practices and meeting or exceeding the expectations of YMCA of Montclair.
• Training and Staff Meetings:
  Attend all mandatory training, 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

• Must possess a New Jersey P‑3 teaching certification or a Certificate of Eligibility.
• Must maintain certifications required by the New Jersey Department of Education.
• Must possess, maintain, and renew CPR for the Professional Rescuer, EPI, Asthma and First Aid within 90 days of hire.