Early Childhood Education Teacher

• Ensure the individual needs of the children are met for proper coordination of the program within the center.
• Utilize solid judgment and discretionary skills as well as make independent decisions that will affect the Gateway Region YMCA and its departments.
• Maintain positive relationships with many diverse people, including staff, parents, volunteers and program site administration and demonstrate strong public relation skills.
• Ensure YMCA policies and guidelines are followed at all times.
• Maintain an environment that ensures children’s safety and well being.
• Model, practice and carry out the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that advance all areas of children’s development and learning, including social, emotional, intellectual and physical competence.
• Conduct the program in accordance with YMCA goals and principles of developmentally appropriate practices
• Model, practice and carryout Membership By Design in all aspects of job performance.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands the concepts of mutual respect, caring, honesty, responsibility, and faith in positive communications and interaction with children, parents and staff.
• Guides and assists in development of program content and special events. 
• Ensures program process meets the “Hand’s On, Minds On” approach to learning.
• Assist in development, training and ongoing educational requirements through orientation, training and continued education opportunities.
• Understands the teacher’s role as that of facilitator vs. instructor.
• Communicate problems, issues or concerns with supervisor.
• Ensure open, positive communication and mentoring is provided to all staff on an ongoing basis.
• Posses the ability to relate to children, parents, peers, branch staff, volunteers and community.
• Must pass a medical examination including TB test as required by DOHSS and Hep A (if applicable).
• Must pass DOHSS child abuse screening, criminal records check and Child Care Worker Registry.
• Must read and sign YMCA Child Abuse pamphlet and report any suspected case of child abuse to supervisor.
• Must read and sign YMCA ECE Informational Manual.
• Must ensure and maintain confidentiality of family, children and staff.
• Actively participates in all program activities and special events.
• Follow all guidelines and procedures established by the YMCA, Department of Health and Senior Services and Accreditation Agencies. 
• Responsible for ensuring diverse program experiences are provided for children each day.
• Understand difference between discipline and punishment.  Use positive verbal and non-verbal communication with children to build trusting and stable relationships.
• Keep up-to-date records on all children participating in the program.
• Willingly substitute in any area of the center with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Participate in Branch World Service and Partner with Youth Fundraisers
• Teamwork is demonstrated through personal interaction amongst all staff.
• Responsible for insuring the safety of all children.
• Know where children are at all times.
• Children provided opportunities to build self-help and independence skills.
• Ensure all children’s individual needs are met with dignity and respect.
• Program equipment is cared for properly and checked daily for safety.
• Indoor and outdoor space is monitored daily for health and safety concerns.
• Report all repairs, incidents, and accidents to the Center Director and/or Executive Director.  Reports made on appropriate forms and within required time frame.
• Responsible to keep center clean and sanitary to insure health and safety of all children. 
• Keep a neat and clean appearance, in accordance with the standards set by the YMCA.  Staff wear nametags and staff shirts while on duty.
• Responsible for all aspects of quality customer service-including greeting parents, handling parent questions and concerns and staying informed of programs.
• Serve as a relationship builder for site staff and families enhancing their commitment to the YMCA members and the mission.
• Maintain and ensure confidentiality of all participants in the program.
• Keeps current on any new program activities or special events to assist and enhance the programs.
• Able to interpret YMCA policy and procedures and make independent, sound judgments and decisions, which support the Gateway Region YMCA.
• Reinforce and model the Membership By Design at all times.
• Be knowledgeable of how to use a fire extinguisher and other safety equipment.