Lead Preschool Teacher

YMCA; Pawtucket (RI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area is seeking a Lead Teacher to oversee a classroom and ensure instruction aligns with RI Early Learning and Development Standards. You will supervise staff, maintain safety, and document child progress for parent conferences.

The role requires an Associate Degree or 12 ECE credits, 3 months of classroom experience, and ability to obtain CPR/First Aid within 3 months. RI licensing and YMCA qualifications apply.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 12 college credits in early childhood education required.
• Three months classroom experience required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire.
• Obtain RI DHS licensing/RI ECE credentials or begin process within 3 months of hire.
• Meet all YMCA employment qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Establish warm, professional rapport with children and families.
• Maintain health and safety standards in the classroom.
• Develop developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned to RI standards (RIELDS).
• Maintain attendance records and CACFP meal tracking if applicable.
• Ensure classroom cleanliness and organization.
• Greet families as they enter/exit and support staff with daily plans.
• Document progress using authentic assessments and share with families.
• Submit lesson plans on schedule and ensure active supervision at all times.
• Participate in family engagement activities and staff trainings.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Communication with families

Curriculum planning

Observation & assessment

Active supervision

Team collaboration

Professional development

Classroom management

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

12 college credits in ECE

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director and or Ed Coordinator the Lead Teacher shall have the responsibilities for the overall operation of the assigned classroom. The Lead Teacher insures that the classroom maintains the standards of instruction that follow the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Establish a warm and professional rapport with all children and families in the classroom.Maintain healthy and safety standards in the classroomDevelop integrated, developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum for children designed to promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth through the use of the RIELDS.Maintain accurate attendance records and meal tracking (CACFP; if applicable)Ensure cleanliness of the classroom including counter tops, sinks and tablesGreet families and children as they enter or exit the classroom and or buildingEnsure that the Teacher Assistant understands the plan for the day and can be supportive to the needs of the childrenSupport social and emotional development and positive guidance in the classroomDesign an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the age of the children using the ITERS-3 or ECERS-3 tool as a guideObserve and document the individual progress of each child through authentic assessment practices for the dual purpose of informing classroom instruction and curriculum and communicate children’s’ progress with families through TSG assessment tools and conferences based on schedule provided at the beginning of each school yearEnsure lesson plans are submitted based on the schedule given out at the beginning of each school yearEnsure appropriate active supervision of children at all times of the day (especially in the bathroom and on the playground)Be familiar with DHS licensing regulations, and Family HandbookParticipate in Family Engagement Activities run by the centerDevelop a yearly Professional Development Plan that is aligned to the RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, which will include 20 hour of training in a related field.Participate in all staff trainings and parent/staff meetings and other mandatory or required meetings during the year.Complete the duties or provide coverage as assigned by the Ed Coordinator/Director of the programQUALIFICATIONSThe Lead Teacher shall have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college or hold a minimum of 12 college credits in early childhood educationThree months experience working in a classroom environmentMust be at least 21 years of ageAbility to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hireObtain or begin the requirements to obtain the RIELDS certificate within 3 months of hireMeet all DHS and YMCA Employment qualificationsWORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.