EEC Certified Preschool Teacher

Inspire, nurture, and lead young learners

We're looking for a team player to join our preschool team who's not only flexible and collaborative but also brings creativity, initiative, and heart to everything they do. Do you love the sound of giggles, the joy of discovery, and the magic of teaching through play? Are you the kind of person who can rock a puppet voice, create a lesson plan that sparks curiosity, and still jump in to clean up glitter explosions without skipping a beat? At the West Suburban Y, we believe preschool should be full of wonder- and that starts with YOU. If you're ready to co-create a joyful, engaging, and supportive environment for our littlest learners, keep reading

SCHEDULE & PAY

We are looking for a full-time teacher to fill the 8:45 am-5:45 pm shift Monday through Friday.

Preschool is open from 7:45 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Friday. The WSY Preschool is open year-round but shifts to a summer camp setting in the summer months. You can learn more about our program HERE.

Hourly rate is $23.00-$28.00, depending on education, experience and certifications.

Generous benefit package, including 12% retirement contribution once vested. Come join an experienced, fun and supportive team in our Preschool for Youth Development today

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 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. This position transitions to a staff member in Camp Pikati (summer months) outside of the school year that oversees the 2.9-5 year old group.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implements curriculum within the established guidelines.
• Assists the lead teacher in creating and preparing the weekly curriculum plans in advance according to director's instructions.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

• Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.

• Active support of our DEIB statement and putting into practice our commitment to equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion. Continue to think about strategies to support diversity goals of the organization.

• Assists Lead Teacher with ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships, conducts parent conferences, and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Assist in preparing classroom for class activities.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Maintains required program records.
• Follows all safety and EEC and WSY protocols and regulations at all times.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training, including camp Pikati training for the summer months.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• EEC Teacher Certificate.
• Minimum of 9 months supervised work experience if completed 3 college credits in Child Development coursework.
• OR Minimum of 3 months supervised work experience if obtained Associates' or Bachelor's Degree in related field.
• OR Minimum if 6 months of supervised work experience with a Bachelor's in an unrelated field
• At least 18 years of age.
• Committing to support and further our anti-racist work as an organization. Learning about our initiatives and the continuous work and being able to vocalize with members if needed.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate
  
  program activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Positive, role-model, team player.
• Reliable, consistent and professional.
• Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships
  
  with people from different backgrounds.
• Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Why the Y? We're a welcoming, mission-driven team focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Be part of a place where you can belong, grow, and make a difference every day. The WSYMCA rewards dedicated employees by offering a competitive benefits package that includes paid vacation & holidays, group health with vision & drug prescription, dental & life insurance, paid retirement once vested, YMCA membership, access to child care services, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.

The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable organization that welcomes all by creating a community that hires individuals of any age, race, gender, religion, heritage, economic circumstance, or physical ability. We focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to ensure all children, adults and families are healthy, confident and connected.