The Metro YMCAs of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.
We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented Association of YMCAs, we have an exciting opportunity at our West Essex YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center, a branch of the Metro YMCAs of the Oranges.
Under the general direction of the Childcare Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of all classroom activities. This includes maintaining the physical appearance of the classroom to meet agency standards accordingly. He/she will supervise and train Associate Teacher and/or Teacher Assistants to comply with the YMCA’s policies and philosophy of education. The position is responsible to act as a liaison between the Childcare Director and families participating in the program.
- Implement and design curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
- Manage and fully supervise children, classroom, teacher assistants and all activities.
- Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child in classroom.
- Conduct parent conferences, and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers.
- Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
- Mentor Associate Teachers/Teacher Assistants to enhance continued professional growth.
- Maintain all records including attendance, incident reports, daily logs, parent sign in and out book, medical records, and timesheets, in compliance with HR procedures, state and other agency regulations as appropriate.
- Maintain classroom equipment, ensure healthy and safe classroom environment.
- Participate in Parents Advisory Committee events, and YMCA special events including Healthy Kids day, open houses and annual campaign events.
- Support and lead staff and parents in annual campaign efforts.
- Model and enforce appropriate positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
- Participate in required trainings and workshops to continue to enhance professional growth.
- Attend and participate in Family Nights, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
- Works with Childcare Director to determine and establish key goals annually.
- Support branch and Association-wide goals, initiatives and activities.
- Actively participates in Summer Camp programs.
- Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
- NJ Teacher Certification in preschool education
- Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a group setting, preferably with preschool-age group
- Strong knowledge and understanding of youth development principles
- Knowledge of birth to age five (5) in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living
- Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management and effective parental communication
- Knowledge of agency regulations, requirements, i.e., NAEYC, NJ Grow
- Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels including staff and parents
- Ability to problem-solve and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA
- Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth
- Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them
- CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required
- Maintain certifications as required. Must complete CARI Background Check, CHRI/Fingerprinting and provide proof of a Mantoux test within two weeks of hire