Head Teacher (Toddlers)

Rye YMCA; City of Rye (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff membership

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

403(b) plan

Paid time off

Referral bonuses

Professional development

Flexible scheduling

Program discounts

Job summary

The Rye YMCA is seeking a Head Childcare Teacher for Toddlers to lead classroom curriculum and supervise staff, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment that aligns with YMCA values.

The role requires a degree in early childhood education (or related credits and CDA) and current CPR/First Aid; duties include planning activities, parent communication, and adherence to state requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or 12 credits in Early Childhood Education, CDA Credential in Infant/Toddler or is in pursuit.
• Must be 18 years of age and aligned with YMCA mission and operations.
• CPR, First Aid and Epi-Pen training required.
• Provide documentation of a physical examination and TB test as required.

Responsibilities

• Direct classroom curriculum and supervise assistants.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities per monthly curriculum.
• Maintain classroom appearance and manage supplies and housekeeping.
• Communicate with parents verbally or in writing and document attendance.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Human relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

12 credits in Early Childhood Education

CDA Credential (Infant/Toddlers)

Job description

Description

The Head Childcare Teacher for Toddlers is primarily responsible for directing all aspects of classroom curriculum and program activities including but not limited to planning, supervising and implementing classroom in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA. Provide supervision and guidance to assistant teachers in the classroom as well supporting growth and nurturing of children in the program by meeting individual developmental needs. Staff schedules are set annually per the staff contract but are subject to change based on the needs of the school.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the appearance of the classroom (i.e. cleanliness, reporting maintenance requests)
• Maintain quality of the program (i.e. managing supplies, equipment and general housekeeping in the classroom).
• Effectively communicate with classroom parents verbally, in writing or via e-mail in a timely manner. (i.e. conferences, monthly recaps, weekly e-mails, daily correspondences).
• Complete fall, winter and end-of-the-year student evaluations.
• Develop and plan a creative learning environment by offering center choices and activities per the curriculum guidelines set for each month.
• Ensure a safe and conducive environment for learning for children.
• Always speak with the children, parents and other staff in an appropriate manner.
• Always participate in activities and communicate with the children at their level and be a positive role model.
• Maintain a professional attitude, following the philosophy of the Rye YMCA and modeling the Character Development values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs and conferences; complying with OCFS requirements.
• Accompany the class to daily music, gymnastics and sport classes as well as to the bathroom and to the playground.
• Responsible for changing diapers and logging it on required forms by OCFS as well as assisting families with toilet training.
• Keep accurate documentation of children’s attendance, absences, and excessive lateness of children in compliance with state requirements. Monitor parents’ sign-in/out daily with their initials and time of arrival in the sign-in/out book.
• Always maintain teacher to child ratios while in the classroom area and YMCA areas.
• Maintain confidentiality about personnel as well as personal issues.
• For your own protection of both the teachers and students, teachers should never be in an enclosed area without windows alone with children. Rule of 3.
• Maintain & post updated monthly snack calendars.
• Create a warm, friendly and safe atmosphere in which families can grow ensuring a quality Program that reflects a positive image of the Rye YMCA and its services to the community.
• Serve as an ambassador of the YMCA. Exemplify the four-character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility with students, members, staff and the public.
• Promote confidence and enthusiasm.
• Carry out disciplinary action in accordance with the Disciplinary Policy in the Staff Manual. Execute and enforce all safety regulations policies and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse, neglect and proper reporting procedures.
• Assume any other duties as directed by the Child Care Director.
• Abide by all requirements in the Staff Contract for the duration of the school year.
• Follow all policies and procedures as set in the Rye YMCA employee handbook, the Childcare Staff handbook.
• Follow and enforce all Rye YMCA policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Childcare Staff Handbook, including safety regulations, emergency response procedures, and child abuse and neglect prevention, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Actively participates in and upholds the YMCA’s mission to be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation or special need.
• Help build awareness that the YMCA is a charitable organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential; functions.

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or 12 credits in Early Childhood Education, CDA Credential in Infant/ Toddler or is in pursuit.
• Must be 18 years of age and have knowledge of the YMCA mission as well as operations
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution and human relations skills are essential.
• Possess sufficient visual and auditory acuity to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner during high activity.
• Complete CPR, First Aid and Epi-Pen training.
• Provide documentation of a physical examination every 24 months and a TB Tine Test upon hire.
• Must receive clearance from OCFS by submitting documents to Childcare Director in Timely manner.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Monday – Friday

7:30am – 4:30pm

8:30am – 5:30pm

9:30am – 6:00pm

BENEFITS AND PERKS

At the Rye YMCA, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

• Free YMCA staff membership
• Medical and dental benefits for eligible full-time employees
• Ancillary benefits available to part-time employees
• 12% employer contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund (eligibility requirements apply)
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Earned paid time off for eligible employees
• Employee referral bonus opportunities
• Professional development, training, and mentorship opportunities
• Employee recognition programs
• Flexible scheduling options, depending on position
• Discounts on YMCA programs, entertainment, travel, and more
• A welcoming, community-focused workplace

Benefits and eligibility vary based on employment status, position, and plan requirements.