Full Time Lancaster, PA, US
YWCA Lancaster is looking for a full-time Early Childcare Lead Teacher, who is an integral part of our team.
What your day looks like:
- Develop plans based on developmentally age‑appropriate activities, to provide the children with a consistent daily routine.
- Prepare a suitable physical and nurturing environment for ALL children so that they may grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
- Ensures that the Center meets licensing and all other legal compliance regulations including Department of Public Welfare (DPW), Keystone STARS, Pre‑K Counts, and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
- Develop lesson plans for activities based on the needs of the children. Areas of concentration include Language Arts, Math, Science, Cognitive Development, Creative Art, Self‑Help, Motor Activities, and Community Awareness.
- Maintain a team atmosphere within the room, including delegation of daily responsibilities.
- Instruct, and supervise assistants in the planning and implementing of daily activities and creating a positive, stimulating room environment.
- Assess the children in their classroom by using developmental assessments twice per year.
- Hold parent/teacher conferences twice a year.
- Maintain appropriate interactions with children, parents, and staff. Maintain a positive atmosphere within the classroom.
- Work cooperatively with team members to uphold a positive atmosphere.
- Stay familiar with all YWCA of Lancaster policies and procedures, Child Care Manual procedures, Keystone STARS, and Pre‑K Counts (if applicable) requirements to ensure program quality.
- Keep records on children and supervise record keeping done by assistants.
- Orient new parents and staff to room and meet with parents when needed.
- Attend monthly staff meetings.
- Attend a minimum of 27 hours of training per year.
- Maintain a current Professional Development Record for Keystone Stars.
- Work cooperatively with other YWCA Child Care programs.
- Advocate for Early Childhood Education programs in the state of Pennsylvania.
- Enforce center policies with parents, students, and children.
- Uphold and demonstrate to all staff, students, parents, and children the YWCA mission.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Who you are:
- Desire and ability to embody the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field or an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field and two years’ experience related to the care and development of children birth to three.
- Must be able to lift 45 lbs. and have movement ability to sit, stand, crawl, climb, lift overhead, bend and move from sitting position on floor to standing position.
- Respect for children and their parents, as well as a belief in the individuality of each child.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision after 30 days of employment
- Retirement plan with employee match
- 403b plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life Insurance
- Long/Short Term Disability
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 15 days (1 st year), paid holidays, floating holiday
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Participation in YWCA activities and seminars
- Childcare at a discounted rate
- Parental leave
- 20% tuition discount at Widener University (including graduate and continuing studies‑ bachelor’s completion)
Equal Opportunity Employer
YWCA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.