Lead Teacher

Works within a teaching team to support the care and development of young children ages 6 weeks to under 3 years in a structured early learning environment.

1. Organizes and implements age-appropriate learning activities/ experiences with individual children and small and large groups within the approved curriculum.
2. Observes and assesses utilizing Teaching Strategies GOLD and ASQ-3/ASQ-SE.
3. Conduct Parent/Teacher conferences 2 times per year.
4. Supervises children’s activities to ensure safety, and promote socialization and enjoyment of children attending the facility.
5. Works cooperatively with the assistant site director to resolve any programmatic or family concerns including but not limited to communication, service delivery, quality, curriculum, personnel, and assessment.
6. Works cooperatively with the assistant site director, on assigned duties, such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness, and using time effectively.
7. Participates in mealtime activities with the children to encourage good eating habits, good table manners, conversation, and clean-up.
8. Accompanies and supervises children on field trips.
9. Assists children in all daily activities including, but not limited to: toileting, personal hygiene, dressing, and eating.
10. Commits to self-education on anti-bias education, racial justice, and gender equity issues.
11. Monitors health status of children for illness or areas of concern and reports to parents and assistant director.
12. Cleans up after activities.
13. Provides written and/or verbal communication to parents regarding the child’s daily activities, progress, and behavior.
14. Observes all Children’s Center and YWCA policies and procedures.
15. Participate in 2 hours of training weekly
16. Participate in 4 hours of admin and classroom prep weekly
17. Complies with applicable local, state, and federal licensing requirements/certification and/or regulations.
18. Complies with association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
19. Safeguards confidential information gained as a result of the position.
20. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.
21. Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. YWCA location
2. Off-site location
3. Potential outdoor events
4. Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, some lifting
5. Frequently required to stand
6. Frequently required to walk
7. Frequently required to sit
8. Occasionally required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
9. Continually required to talk or hear
10. Occasionally/Frequently exposure to outside weather conditions (we do go outside so can this be and/or situation?)
11. Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
12. Occasionally/Frequently exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials (does this mean when we get exposed to the blood of kids)
13. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
14. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 60 pounds(or can it be more/less) / frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds / continually lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
15. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision, Depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Significant and relevant post-high school education or training in early childhood education or child/family-related fields, or Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Elementary Education.
3. CDA in infants/toddlers is required.
4. Two years of classroom experience, post CDA certification.
5. Two years of experience working with young children within a licensed childcare facility.
6. Understanding of Creative Curriculum (curriculum), Teaching Strategies GOLD (developmental assessment tool), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (developmental screener).
7. Evidence of accurate record-keeping and data-collection skills
8. Ability to maintain positive working relationships with team members
9. Strong teamwork, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills
10. Ability to meet requirements of the Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing.
11. Satisfactory response to criminal and child abuse and neglect history checks.
12. Able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose, and One Imperative.
2. Racial Justice Training
3. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
4. All required state of Michigan Child Care Licensing training requirements
5. Minimum 24 hours of ongoing professional development per year
6. Other appropriate training and in-service will occur during employment.