Infant Toddler Lead Teacher

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Greater Waterbury YMCA

Base pay: $20.00/hr – $28.00/hr (actual pay based on skills and experience)

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 Classroom Lead Teacher creates a flexible early childhood classroom environment favorable to learning and personal growth, motivating students to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a strong foundation for Kindergarten in accordance with each student’s ability as well as the Preschool Benchmark in Education;

and establishes good relationships with parents and other staff members.

• Assumes responsibility for the health and safety of all children in the program.
• Plans and teaches weekly lesson plans based on an emergent curriculum connected with CT ELDS.
• Conducts daily observations based on CT DOTS and places them weekly in a child’s portfolio, collecting samples of work and documenting weekly in the child’s individual portfolio.
• Evaluates each student and discusses problems or progress with parents daily.
• Coordinates special events in connection with weekly lesson plans.
• Promotes and develops the 40 developmental assets into classroom curriculum and daily activities.
• Implements YMCA Character and Youth Development best practices into weekly plans.
• Attends staff orientation and staff meetings as required.
• Makes referrals for support services as needed and advocates for children and families.
• Organizes the classroom environment to support children’s socio‑emotional development, promotes learning through play and physical development, using transition time as opportunities for learning.
• Promotes learning in all areas of the classroom (Block Area, Dramatic Play, Manipulative Area, Literacy Center, Computer, Sand and Water Area, Science Area, Art Area, and woodworking).
• Provides the Child Development Director with weekly classroom checklists.
• Follows all policies and procedures regarding abuse and neglect mandated reporting.
• Keeps accurate and clearly written records for monthly Nutrition and School Readiness reports.
• Promotes a team‑oriented attitude, supervises an assistant teacher and aides, and delegates responsibilities.
• Informs the Child Development Director of any significant issues related to staff, children or facility.
• Promotes professionalism and growth and serves as an exemplary role model.
• Leads and trains staff in carrying out daily center activities as well as special events.
• Models relationship‑building skills in all interactions and maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
• Ensures all activities comply with state regulations, School Readiness requirements, NAEYC accreditation standards and YMCA policies, including proper staff ratios and reporting requirements.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Preferred: a minimum of a higher education degree (any degree level) in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education. Degreed professionals entering the early childhood education profession from another industry must meet the equivalent minimum qualification, currently 60 college credits with 30 in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, and/or early childhood special education.
• Required:
  
  Current Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Appropriate Early Childhood Certification Endorsement, or a baccalaureate degree (BA) in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education from the OEC Approved College Listing, or a bachelor degree in any other field with 12 credits or more in early childhood or child development from a non‑approved college; or the equivalency to a baccalaureate degree (BA) or higher in early childhood education, defined by NAEYC as at least 36 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Prior to first day: completion of Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Blood‑borne Pathogens training.
• Knowledge of NAEYC standards, CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), and CT Documentation and Observation for Teaching Systems (CT DOTS).
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• First Aid/CPR

• Paid Time Off – Sick, Personal, Vacation
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development Opportunities and Growth
• Retirement
• Dental, Vision, and Health Insurance

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Education and Training

Wellness and Fitness Services