Lead Teacher- (Infant through Waddler) $1,000 Sign on Bonus

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Maplewood (NJ, MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development and community strengthening. As a Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in nurturing children's growth and fostering relationships among families. This position offers the chance to implement engaging curriculum, supervise classroom activities, and build connections with parents. With a focus on personal growth and operational effectiveness, you'll collaborate with a team to create a positive, impactful experience for the children in your care. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth while working in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Benefits

12% Retirement Plan

403b Plan

Generous PTO Plan

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Qualifications

• Meets state law educational and experience qualifications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with children and parents.

Responsibilities

• Implements curriculum and nurtures children through programming.
• Supervises classroom activities and maintains effective communication with parents.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Teamwork

Youth Development Principles

Education

State Law Educational Qualifications

CPR, First Aid, and AED Certifications

Job description

Lead Teacher- (Infant through Waddler) $1,000 Sign on Bonus

10 W Parker Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA Req #1755

Sunday, March 30, 2025

We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.

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.

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.
• Performs other job-related duties as requested and necessary.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting, and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistles or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of the group.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Additional compensation includes 12% retirement upon eligibility, 403b plan, generous PTO plan, professional development opportunities, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.