Preschool Lead Teacher, Margaret Maddox

Job Details Description Pay Range: Starts at $ per hour, depending on experience Position Summary: Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle TN, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the direction of the Preschool Director and/or Coordinator, the Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care, safety, and well being of all children in the group. The Preschool Lead Teacher is expected to provide child development knowledge and leadership. The Preschool Lead Teacher must plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program geared to pre-school children and be able to demonstrate, verbally and by role modeling, a sound knowledge of good teaching practices. The Preschool Lead Teacher must have a thorough knowledge of center philosophy; policies, TDHS licensing, TNELDS, ITERS/ECERS criteria, and the ability to positively communicate them to co-workers, parents, and community. Essential Functions: Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility Ensure safe and risk free environment at all times while meeting the individual needs of the children Responsible for the daily cleaning and sanitary condition of classroom, toys and spaces used with the YMCA Promote healthy nutrition habits by sitting and eating with the children, encouraging children to “try” new foods Design enriched learning environments that support a caring classroom community Complete lesson plans, reports and requested tasks promptly and accurately Generate & distribute weekly lesson plans and monthly newsletters to parents Follow all DHS and YMCA policies and procedures Supervise assistant teachers, substitutes and volunteers in the classroom Develop curriculum that include intentional implementation of DAP literacy, math, science, creative expression and arts, health and social studies Address challenging behaviors of students with the Director initially prior to contacting parents; lead Teacher will help in the development of an individualized plan that supports the child’s inclusion and success Establish and maintain professional, ongoing, 2-way communications with parents or guardians regarding their child’s development and daily activities Make learning meaningful by being attentive and responsive to children’s interest and needs; use instruction to deepen children’s understanding by building skill and knowledge Identify and make use of community resources and partnerships Maintain confidentiality concerning all children Must take daily attendance of children and know total number of children in classroom at all times Implement procedures to prevent incidents of child abuse; identify incidents of abuse and report them in appropriate and timely manner Attend and participate in Center meetings and events Qualifications Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA An enthusiastic personality with the desire to serve members, volunteers, guests, participants and staff to create a culture of service within our Centers Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community Must present a professional image and possess conflict resolution skills, and demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, versatility, and independent thinking Must be highly organized with the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information Minimum 18 years of age High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates degree with 3 years experience in child development or related experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred in Early Childhood Development or related field Adequate knowledge of current evidence and research based developmentally appropriate practices to provide the leadership needed to develop a stimulating learning environment that supports language learning, literacy practices, math play, science explorations, positive approaches to learning and the building of strong social and emotional development in each child Certifications Required: Before start of 1st shift: New Hire Orientation training DHS Background Disclosure Form & Fingerprint appointment Abuse Registry Check DHS Physical health form Proof of education Completed references report Past Employment reference DHS TCCOTS “Before you Begin” and “Shaken Baby” training Pre-service training Within 30 days of hire: CPR Pro/ First Aid/ AED Within six months of hire: Complete course training and Certify in Adult Mental Health First Aid USA from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing **Must maintain annual training requirements** While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand; walk on uneven surfaces; sit; handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must be able to lift up to 40 pounds. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level is usually minimal to moderate.