Preschool Teacher

The Y is a dynamic and diverse human service organization committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively influences the lives of children in your community. Working at the YMCA you’ll discover more than a job – you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the community.

OUR CULTURE:　  
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.　We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.　We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.　We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.　We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Center Director, and in harmony with the Christian nature and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA, the Preschool Teacher is responsible for the general supervision and management of a classroom.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, supervise, and implement individually appropriate activities for the children using the prescribed association curriculum, lesson plans and weekly themes as your curriculum base. 
• Work as a team within the center to plan, coordinate, share resources and maximize the children’s experiences.
• Be a facilitator in the classroom. 
• Use available community resources such as special guest or field trips, to expand and extend children’s experiences.
• Observe and evaluate each child’s progress and provide a written report to the parents on a quarterly basis.
• Be responsible for the ordered arrangement, appearance, decoration and learning environment of the classroom.
• Maintain open communications between peer staff, parents, and families and be available for parent conferences, training, and parent education opportunities when necessary.
• Incorporates the four core values: respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring into all aspects of the program and daily activities.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, values, purpose, and goals. Strives for the highest standards of program excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum 18 years or older
2. Associates / Bachelor’s degree in a child related field
3. One year of age appropriate experience with in the classroom
4. At least one year’s experience working with children- ages 2 years to 5 years old-in a licensed, childcare setting
5. CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to certify within 60 days of employment)
6. Complete all new employee and child care required trainings before first day on floor, including: New Staff Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention training, Child Development training, licensing and discipline training
7. Adequate speaking, hearing and writing skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults
8. Able to communicate and work effectively with groups of children and their parents in a loving yet professional manner
9. Clear background/C.P.S. check /Negative TB test
10. Knowledge and maturity to observe children’s behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety practices and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
11. Ability to manage the daily administrative, program-related and supervisory responsibilities of the classroom

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

1. May be required to walk, stand, run, kneel, climb and stoop.

2. Must be able to sit on the floor and get back up

3. Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking.

4. Must be able to lift, pull and pull up to 50 pounds

5. Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time

6. Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications

BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position.　 They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). 　Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.

The YMCA of SouthHampton Roads is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at YSHR will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. YSHR does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or genetics.

Please Note: Requirements, skills, and abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialfunctions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive.