Preschool Teacher (YMCA West San Gabriel Valley)

Shelby American, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking a dedicated Preschool Teacher to foster a nurturing environment for young children. This role involves creating positive relationships with children and their families while implementing an engaging curriculum that promotes development and social responsibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to connect with diverse populations. Join this forward-thinking team to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth and families in the community. If you are passionate about child development and eager to contribute to a supportive environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Requires current Child Development Teacher Permit and relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Create nurturing relationships with children and support their development.
• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations and maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Communication Skills

Emotional Maturity

Relationship Building

Planning and Organizing

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Current Child Development Teacher Permit

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Job Type: Full-time

Description:

This position supports the work of a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Preschool Teacher (2-5 yr. olds) creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. 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 and within families.

COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Relationships, Communication, Developing Others, Inclusion, Quality Results, Project Management, Functional Expertise

• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Full understanding of licensing regulations (Title 22) and responsible for ensuring location operates in full compliance at all times. Steps in as individual in charge when Site Director is not present during program hours as assigned.
• Assists with onboarding and training of staff members as assigned.
• Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program. Provides oversight and guidance to Teacher Assistant as assigned.

Licensed School Age Programs:

• No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.
• Helps children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection, and constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
• Actively supports and is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
• Researches, plans, and implements program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with values, Desired Results findings, and established guidelines. Creates and maintains a learning environment that is safe, clean, and healthy according to the Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS or SACERS).
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and expectations.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child following the assessment tools provided in the curriculum. Communicates with supervisor regarding child’s development.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them.
• Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Follows policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
• Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintains positive relationships with parents, other team members, and community partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
• Oversees and provides guidance to assigned Teacher Assistant, when appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

AGE: Eighteen years or older

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent

ECE/CD UNITS: Current Child Development Teacher Permit. Renew every 5 years with 105 hours of professional growth.

RELATED EXPERIENCE: At least 175 days of experience in an instructional capacity in a childcare and development program, working at least 3 hours per day within the last 4 years. Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved EMSA or American Red Cross First Aid; Adult, Infant, and Child CPR Certifications (8 hours). Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program. Basic Water Safety certification for school-age programs. A course in Preventative Health Practices (PHP). Measles vaccination and physical exam.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Job does include water-related activities.