Preschool Lead Teacher

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps; East Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established organization focused on nurturing children's potential is seeking a passionate Preschool Lead Teacher. This role involves implementing the Tools of the Mind curriculum, supervising classroom activities, and fostering positive relationships with families. As a vital part of the team, you will mentor staff and ensure a safe, engaging environment for preschoolers. With a commitment to professional growth and community involvement, this position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying a supportive and mission-driven workplace. If you are dedicated to early childhood education and ready to inspire young minds, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

12% retirement upon eligibility

403b plan

Generous PTO plan

Professional development opportunities

Complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education required; CE and P3 certification preferred.
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience with preschool children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement classroom activities and maintain NAEYC standards.
• Supervise teacher assistants and communicate with parents.
• Conduct evaluations and maintain classroom records.

Skills

Curriculum Implementation

Classroom Management

Parental Communication

Supervision of Staff

Knowledge of NAEYC Requirements

Developmentally Appropriate Activities

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Job description

Preschool Lead Teacher
East Orange YMCA, 100 N ARLINGTON AVE, EAST ORANGE, New Jersey, United States of America
Req #1543
Saturday, February 1, 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.

SALARY: Compensation commensurate with experience/comparable to the East Orange School District

Certificate of Eligibility (CE) required, P3 certification preferred.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Childcare Director, the Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for the implementation of all classroom activities. This includes maintaining the physical appearance of the classroom to meet NAEYC standards. Will supervise and train teacher’s assistants to comply with the YMCA’s policies and philosophy of education. The position is responsible as a liaison between the site director and families participating in the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement the Tools of the Mind curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
• Supervise the children, classroom, and all activities.
• Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Conduct parent conferences, and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engage parents as volunteers.
• Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise their performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
• Mentor teacher assistants to enhance their professional growth.
• Maintain all records including attendance, accident reports, daily logs, parent sign in and out book, medical records and time sheets, in compliance with state, NAEYC, and the East Orange Board of Education regulations.
• Maintain classroom equipment and a healthy and safe classroom environment for children.
• Participate in Parents Advisory Committee Events and YMCA special events including Healthy Kids Day, open houses, and Annual Support Campaign events.
• Support and lead staff and parents in the Annual Support Campaign.
• Model and enforce appropriate and positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
• Participate in required trainings and workshops to enhance professional growth.
• Maintain required program records.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Work with Director to determine key goals to be accomplished annually.
• Support branch- and association-wide goals, initiatives and activities, including the Annual Support Campaign.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
• Complete Child Abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
• Certificate of Eligibility (CE) required, P3 certification preferred.
• Knowledge of NAEYC requirements.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in a group setting with preschool children preferred.
• Knowledge of birth to age 5 in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
• Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management, and parental communication is essential.
• Experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations. This work requires the following physical activities: bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing, and visual acuity. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

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.

• Pay Type: Salary

Apply Now