Lead Preschool Teacher

Kansas City YMCA; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas City YMCA is seeking a dedicated Lead Teacher to manage and direct a preschool classroom. This role involves implementing early childhood education programs, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering a nurturing environment for children. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellent child care practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year teaching experience in licensed centers or preschools.
• Commitment to provide high-quality child care services.
• Seven to nine semester hours in early childhood education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage classroom and supervise children at all times.
• Implement curriculum and maintain safety and hygiene standards.
• Prepare lesson plans and communicate program information to parents.

Skills

Public relations skills

Leadership skills

Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds

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.