GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Program Director and/or Coordinator, the Teacher is responsible for meeting the developmental needs of children birth to five years of age in a group setting. Responsibilities include supervising, educating, and supporting students to help them accomplish learning benchmarks. Duties include planning lessons that target developmentally appropriate skills and concepts aligned with the approved curriculum, managing classroom behavior to keep all students engaged, providing individual support and feedback, conducting student assessments, facilitating parent-teacher conferences, and maintaining parent relationships for enrolled students. Teachers are responsible for daily attendance and guiding assistant teachers, classroom aides, and volunteers.
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience Requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- High school Diploma / GED required
- At least 3 months’ experience in early childhood education providing direct care and supervision to children of the same age, plus 3 semester hours of academic study or equivalent training in early childhood education
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education
- Knowledge of safety requirements pertaining to young children
- Experience following curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 0-5
- Ability to work with and direct Assistant Teachers when appropriate
- Effective communication skills for responding to coworkers, parents, and the Program Director
- Ability to work independently without direct oversight
- Flexibility and adaptability
Physical/Mental Requirements:
- Ability to perform physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds; finger dexterity and visual acuity required
- Mental alertness, problem-solving, and task management skills; capacity to make independent decisions in a dynamic environment
- High level of maturity, patience, dependability, sound judgment, and initiative
- Ability to relate to and work with diverse groups of people
- Teamwork and independent work skills, ability to meet goals and deadlines
- Professional appearance
Job Requirements:
- Commitment to YMCA mission, vision, and values
- Attendance at New Employee Orientation and compliance with KDHE requirements within 30 days of hire
- Completion of Pediatric CPR/AED, Pediatric First Aid, Listen First Workshop, and KDHE Health and Safety training
- Adherence to YMCA policies and procedures
- Ability to supervise participants and maintain safety standards
- Effective conflict resolution skills
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning:
- Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities
- Coordinate supply needs with the Program Director
- Post current lesson plans weekly in the classroom
- Create a daily schedule balancing active and quiet, individual and group activities
Program Operations:
- Communicate the mission, vision, and values of the Wichita YMCA effectively
- Build positive relationships with families and coworkers, sharing successes and addressing challenges
- Greet parents by name during drop-off and pick-up
- Document and communicate concerns to the Program Director
- Conduct teacher conferences twice a year or as needed
- Facilitate and model classroom activities and observe student progress
- Mentor volunteers and model professional child care practices and regulations
- Implement and follow individualized plans for students with special needs or behavioral challenges
Classroom Organization:
- Manage classroom supplies and equipment safely and efficiently
- Maintain a conducive environment for smooth transitions and independent learning
- Keep all supplies and children's belongings organized and stored properly
- Follow cleaning schedules and safety policies
- Display children's work and postings neatly
- Stay familiar with risk management procedures
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of classroom materials
Strong Community Campaign:
- Participate actively in annual campaign activities, including donation solicitations and impact tours
Other:
- Attend staff meetings and training sessions
- Follow the program dress code
- Maintain consistent attendance; unexcused absences over two per year are considered excessive
- Maintain confidentiality and handle questions and concerns professionally
- Comply with KDHE regulations, CACFP guidelines, and in-service hours
- Represent the YMCA positively
- Address concerns directly with the program director
- Adhere to the YMCA’s Code of Conduct and Child Abuse policies
- Demonstrate YMCA Core Values in all interactions