Lead Teacher

YMCA of Greater Bergen County; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription, dental, and/ or

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

403(b) plan

Professional development opportunities

YMCA facility access

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Bergen County is seeking a dedicated childcare professional to support the work of the Y by providing direction for children in the classroom and implementing program curriculum, ensuring a quality experience for children and parents that builds achievement and belonging.

The role includes supervising children and staff, observing and evaluating each child, maintaining records, and engaging families through conferences and volunteer opportunities.

Qualifications

• Meets educational and experience qualifications established by state law.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred, with strong understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels including staff, and parents.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required.
• Maintain certifications as required. Must complete CARI Background Check, CHRI/Fingerprinting and provide proof of a Mantoux test within two weeks of hire.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.

Responsibilities

• Implements curriculum within the established guidelines, following the guidance and direction of the assistant director in charge of curriculum.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships, conducts parent conferences, and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
• Supervises Teacher Assistants in the classroom, including completion of performance evaluations.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Maintains required program records.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff trainings.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Parent communication

Teamwork

Observation and evaluation

Plan and organize activities

Job description

Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth within families.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Implements curriculum within the established guidelines, following the guidance and direction of the assistant director in charge of curriculum.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships, conducts parent conferences, and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
• Supervises Teacher Assistants in the classroom, including completion of performance evaluations.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Maintains required program records.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff trainings.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Meets educational and experience qualifications established by state law.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred, with strong understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels including staff, and parents.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
• Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required.
• Maintain certifications as required. Must complete CARI Background Check, CHRI/Fingerprinting and provide proof of a Mantoux test within two weeks of hire.

BENEFITS

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid holidays, a legal plan, long-term disability, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities. Full-time employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.