UPK Lead Teacher-PreK

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated UPK Lead Teacher to inspire and nurture preschool-aged children. This role involves creating engaging lesson plans, supervising classroom activities, and fostering positive relationships with parents. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in Education, relevant teaching certifications, and a passion for youth development. Join a mission-driven organization that values community, healthy living, and social responsibility, and enjoy a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in children's lives. With competitive compensation and benefits, this opportunity is perfect for those looking to grow in a supportive environment.

Benefits

12% retirement plan

403b plan

Generous PTO

Professional development opportunities

Complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education and NJ Teacher Certification required.
• Minimum 2 years experience with preschool age group preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement classroom activities and curriculum.
• Supervise and mentor Associate Teachers and Teacher Assistants.

Skills

Youth Development Principles

Classroom Management

Effective Parental Communication

Problem Solving

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

NJ P-3 or N-8 Teacher Certification

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

AED Certification

Job description

UPK Lead Teacher - PreK

West Essex YMCA, 321 S LIVINGSTON AVE, LIVINGSTON, New Jersey, United States of America

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 and the development and implementation of new programs. The UPK Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all classroom activities. This includes maintaining the physical appearance of the classroom to meet agency standards. The incumbent will supervise and train Associate Teachers and/or Teacher Assistants to comply with the YMCA’s policies and philosophy of education. The position also acts as a liaison between the Childcare Director and families participating in the program. Sign-on Bonus may apply.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement and design curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
• Manage and fully supervise children, classroom, teacher assistants, and all activities.
• Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child in the classroom.
• 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 performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
• Mentor Associate Teachers/Teacher Assistants to enhance continued professional growth.
• Maintain all records including attendance, incident reports, daily logs, parent sign in and out book, medical records, and time sheets, in compliance with HR procedures, state, and other agency regulations as appropriate.
• Maintain classroom equipment and ensure a healthy and safe classroom environment.
• Participate in Parents Advisory Committee events and YMCA special events including Healthy Kids day, open houses, and annual campaign events.
• Support and lead staff and parents in annual campaign efforts.
• Model and enforce appropriate positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
• Participate in required trainings and workshops to continue to enhance professional growth.
• Attend and participate in Family Nights, program activities, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Work with the Childcare Director to determine and establish key goals annually.
• Support branch and Association-wide goals, initiatives, and activities.
• Actively participate in Summer Camp programs.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Association.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
• NJ P-3 or N-8 Teacher Certification.
• Minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a group setting, preferably with preschool age group.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of youth development principles.
• Knowledge of birth to age five (5) in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
• Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management, and effective parental communication.
• Knowledge of agency regulations, requirements, i.e. NJ Grow.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels including staff and parents.
• 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.
• 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.

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
• Min Hiring Rate: $64,000.00
• Max Hiring Rate: $68,000.00

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