Head Teacher

YMCA of Greater Hartford Job DescriptionJob Title: Head Teacher (Early Childhood)FLSA Status: Non- Exempt Job Grade: Primary Department: Preschool or Infant/ToddlerReports to: Childcare CoordinatorRevision Date: 10/31/2024 Leadership Level: LeaderThe YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association open to all committed to helping people reach their potential in spirit, mind, and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three-fold development is to live out the values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility.POSITION SUMMARY:Under the Supervision of the Child development Director and Childcare C, the Head Teacher is responsible for the overall operations of the classroom and provides a high quality of education and care for children. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Supervise daily classroom activities, including outdoor play activities using positive discipline techniques to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Serve our diverse communities equitably and act with an inclusive, anti-racist lens at all times; promote a brave, respectful culture at the Y. Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculums and submit timely forms and reports. Responsible for planning and documenting program according to state guidelines. Maintain open lines of communication with families and work with other staff members to ensure that the needs of individual children are met. Attend and actively participate in supervision, multi-component, and staff meetings. Assists in the preparation of materials, equipment, and information for the daily program, taking daily attendance and lunch count including reports for CACFP or USDA. Use appropriate food handling, sanitation, and OSHA procedures at all times. Maintain an Anecdotal Log for each child enrolled (Early Childhood Only). Conduct monthly fire drills, lockdown drills and other emergencies. Maintain classroom and storage materials in neat, orderly, and safe manner. Displays and upholds YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Consistently demonstrates caring for the community we serve, for one another, and for the organization they are part of, and contributes to building trust, pride, and camaraderie.  Maintain confidentiality of child and family information. Supervising a group of children. Assist in maintaining all center policies, OEC state regulations and NAEYC standards. Perform other duties as required.QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge of Early Childhood Education, School Readiness and Connecticut Early Learning and Development standards. Warm and nurturing personality. Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus. This position may be authorized to have access to protected Health Information (PHI) to perform specific job duties. Must be able to work in Pre-school, possibly work with children with communicable diseases and disabilities. Outdoor playground (possibly without handicapped access). Personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. DQSM preferred.EDUCATION:OEC requirements:Option 1: CDA and twelve (12) credits in early childhood education or child development from a regionally accredited higher education institution and over not less than a nine (9) month span of time.ORECE associate degree or ECTC associate or bachelor’s degreeORECE bachelor’s or master’s degreeSchool Readiness Requirements for Early Childhood Only:Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education related field required (a minimum of 12 early childhood credits). Connecticut Early Childhood Teacher credentials are required by June 1, 2025. EXPERIENCE:Early Childhood: Minimum of two years of early childhood experience required.At least one thousand and eighty (1,080) hours of documented supervised experience working with children in a program that serves children under the age of 6 years. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Ability to supervise children by sight and sound at all times, provide verbal direction. Ability to move around a room and quickly react to safety issues (i.e. climbing, aggressive behavior). Ability to remain calm, objective and respectful in potentially stressful situations (i.e. crying upset child, upset parent, or upset staff). Ability to move around the room to assist children and supervise children with daily activities, social interaction, physical and emotional needs, including sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, crouching. Ability to lift young children and objects up to 40 lbs.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.GHYMCA BenefitsTuition Reimbursement. Up to $1,000 per year.50% Tuition Discount from Post University.FREE Y Membership – Value $750.Childcare discount: 50% off first child, 25% off second child.Standard program discounts (Swim Lessons, Camp, Sports)Paid Time OffFull Time (30+ hours) Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision. (90% of employers paid premiums for medical for employees of high-deductible plans.Generous Retirement Savings (full and part-time). 12% of current employers contribute after 2 years of service working 1,000 hours a year.Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free confidential services, resources, and counseling.Free 6-month SNOO rental for expecting parents working 20 hours or more.