Preschool Lead Teacher

Ymc; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time membership perks

Benefit options

Paid time off

Childcare discounts

Job summary

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking a charismatic infant/toddler Lead Teacher in Traverse City, MI. This full-time, non-exempt role directs daily curriculum and supervises a group of teachers and assistants, reflecting the YMCA values in a safe, nurturing environment.

The Lead Teacher partners with the Child Development Center Director to guide early learning, maintain child portfolios, and assess progress while engaging families and the community to support growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of child care experience.
• 3 hours MiRegistry training in Program Management, Observation/Assessment, Teaching & Learning.
• 6 hours MiRegistry training in Interactions/Guidance, Challenging behaviors, Trauma-informed practices.
• Valid CDA with 480 hours of experience.
• 6 months to 1 year of infant/toddler development coursework required.
• Strong communication skills with children, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan lessons using Creative Curriculum.
• Create activities across art, science, math, literacy, and play.
• Maintain portfolios and write assessments for each child.
• Provide a safe, fun learning environment.
• Pursue continuing education and workshops.
• Perform classroom cleaning duties as needed.
• Communicate with the director about needs and issues.
• Work at least 6 hours per day.
• Engage with staff, children, and parents effectively.
• Align with YMCA mission and programs.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Reliable/enthusiastic

Public engagement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid CDA with 480 hours

MiRegistry infant/toddler training (3h in core areas)

Job description

Description

• The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is looking for a charismatic and passionate infant or toddler teacher ready for a new adventure with a group of other like-minded teachers and assistants
• Working for the Y means bettering our community one child at a time
• Newly increases compensation, full-time membership perks, benefit options, paid time off and increased childcare discounts

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. 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: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Reports To: Child Development Center Director

Department: Child Development Center

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Child Development Director, the Lead Teacher will perform supervisory and day to day functions according to the Michigan State Child Care, Licensing Regulations, and YMCA policies. The Lead Teacher is responsible for directing all aspects of the quality program and daily curriculum in their designated classroom, which will reflect a positive image of the YMCA and its services in the community while supervising and guiding the children in a safe and healthy environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lesson planning for classroom using Creative Curriculum
• Create and implement art, science, math, literacy, and free play along with creating activities for small and large groups, dramatic play, and active play
• Maintain a portfolio of each child’s development and progress along with completing written assessments for each child, including daily activity sheets, accident reports,
• Provide a safe, fun environment for the children to play, learn, and grow
• Continuing education including classes, conferences, workshops, and in-services to enhance the knowledge and understanding of teaching
• Cleaning duties as outlined in the classroom cleaning checklist
• Communication to director regarding issues, concerns, supplies or needs within the classroom
• Must work at least 6 hours per day
• Appropriate communication to other staff members, children, parents, etc.
• Work within the guidelines of the YMCA’s mission, areas of focus

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 19 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• A minimum of 1 year experience
• 3 hours of MiRegistry approved training in each of the following:
  • Program Management
  • Observation, documentation, and assessment.
  • Teaching and Learning
• 6 hours of MiRegistry approved training in any of the following areas:
  • Interactions and Guidance
  • Challenging behaviors
  • Trauma informed practices
• Valid CDA with 480 hours of experience
• Must have 3 semester hours, 4.5 CEUS, or 45 hours of MiRegistry-approved track of Infant and Toddler development and care practices within 6 months of hire.
• Must be responsible, dependable, enthusiastic, and able to communicate effectively
• Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED and First Aid
• Must have good oral and written communications skills, including computer skills
• Outgoing personality and experience engaging with the public by phone and in person

CORE COMPETENCIES:

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.