Early Learning Teacher - Head Start

YMCA of the USA; Carbondale (PA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of the USA seeks an Early Learning Teacher for Head Start to support the education and care of a group of children within a teaching team. You will plan and implement the curriculum, assess individual needs, and work with families to promote growth.

Responsibilities include documenting attendance, communicating with parents, maintaining a safe classroom, and participating in monthly staff meetings. Certifications are required upon hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Child Development Associate certification preferred.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Mandated Reporter, Better Kid Care Health & Safety Trainings completed upon hire.
• Required background clearances upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Accurate documentation of attendance, absentees, newsletters, and emergency information on each child.
• Report to work on time, prepare activities, lessons, and supplies prior to class.
• Conduct observations and evaluation on all children enrolled and share results with parents at conferences.
• Promote safety and a healthy environment in the classroom and during activities.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development as instructed by the Y Child Care Directors.

Skills

Documentation

Observation and evaluation

Communication with families

Curriculum planning

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Child Development Associate certification preferred

Tools

CPR/AED/First Aid certification

Mandated Reporter training

Better Kid Care Trainings

Job description

Gain a wholesome experience working with children in an Early Childhood Educational setting!
Early Learning Teachers in the Head Start program are responsible for the care and education of a group of children as a part of a teaching team. Head Start Teachers plan and implement the curriculum and, with active participation of other members of the teaching team, works with families and assesses the needs of individual children.
To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment

• Accurate documentation of attendance, absentees, newsletters, and emergency information on each child.
• Incorporation of the recommendations of the YMCA’s design and implementation of the program.
• Report to work on time, prepare all activities, lessons, and supplies prior to class.
• Conduct observations and evaluation on all children enrolled and share results with parents at conferences that are held two times per year.
• Report all problems, incidents, and accidents to directors when they occur along with incident reports
• Clean up classroom, sweep floors, vacuum, disinfect tables before, after, and during meals, play, or when appropriate.
• Attend monthly meetings in the child care department.
• Supervision of all children in care, develop card system, keep supervision board current throughout the day.
• Any other duties as they are assigned.

To advance physical and intellectual competence

• Provides a balance between child-initiated activities.
• Provides a balance between quiet and active learning activities.
• Uses equipment and materials for indoor play that promote children’s physical development.
• Involves children in planning and implementing learning activities.
• Provides an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children.
• Plans and implements experiences that promote language and literacy development.
• Plans a monthly curriculum which aligns with Creative Curriculum and shown to the directors for approval.

To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance

• Plans and implements hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem and social skills.
• Plans and implements culturally diverse experiences.
• Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques.
• Provides a wide variety of creative and expressive activities.
• Establishes routines with smooth transition periods.
• Communicates with children at their developmental level.
• Encourages children to be independent.

To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs

• Assesses program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities and be prepared for the day with supplies needed.
• Provides directions and guidance to staff and the program.
• Maintains written plans on a weekly basis.
• Assesses children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.
• Uses results of assessments to plan activities.

To maintain a commitment to professionalism

• Promotes the YMCA's philosophy and educational objectives.
• Supports the Y's code of ethical conduct.
• Engages in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills.
• Supports the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement.
• Attends staff meetings and Professional Development training as instructed by the Y Child Care Directors.

Required Certifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Child Development Associate certification preferred.
• Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid.
• Mandated Reporter, Better Kid Care Health & Safety Trainings must be completed upon hire.
• Required background clearances upon hire.