Lead Preschool Teacher

YMCA of Greater Kansas City; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community organization is seeking a Lead Teacher to supervise and manage a preschool classroom. This role requires ensuring compliance with safety regulations, fostering a nurturing environment, and implementing early childhood education programs. Candidates should have teaching experience or relevant academic credentials in Early Childhood Education.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools.
• Commitment to providing quality child care services.

Responsibilities

• Manage classroom operations and ensure compliance with safety and nutrition guidelines.
• Implement lesson plans and maintain accurate attendance records.
• Supervise children and assist in serving snacks in accordance with guidelines.

Skills

Public relations

Leadership

Sensitivity

Education

Child Development Associate credential (CDA)

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Overview

The Lead Teacher is responsible for supervising a preschool classroom encompassing the children and any teacher assistant(s). Responsible for continued compliance with the child care licensing regulations and ensuring a safe environment for the children.

OUR CULTURE:

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. 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.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the management and direction of the classroom, implementation of the operation involving safety, nutrition, hygiene, discipline, curriculum, planning, programming, record keeping, and maintenance of classroom.

• Application of principles of quality early childhood education and programming.
• Public relations and leadership skills in working with perspective prospects, program parents, state licensing representatives and Y associates.
• Sensitivity to clientele and staff representing a variety of family, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Active involvement with, and supervision of children required at all times.
• Manages staff-to-child ratios within licensing standards and according to Y policies for classroom coverage.
• Prepares and implements weekly lesson plans, monthly newsletters and other forms of communication to establish educational learning opportunities for children.
• Assists in preparing and serving snacks according to the established menu, health and sanitation guideline while encouraging family style meals.
• Maintains accurate attendance records and meal count records where appropriate.
• Observes, assesses and contributes to the compilation of the child’s portfolio on a regular basis.
• Communicates important program issues and information to the child care assistant and site supervisor.
• Communicates program information to parents and answers questions accurately and with confidence, and shares with the site supervisor.
• Ensures that the program is operated in a safe and purposeful manner, insuring that all licensing and Y guidelines are met or exceeded.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools OR seven to nine semester hours of academic credit in early childhood education or child development and three months teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools OR a child development associate credential (CDA).
• Commitment and desire to provide premiere child care services at all levels.
• CDA, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.