Head Teacher, Springfield YMCA in Springfield, Pennsylvania at Community YMCA

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child DevelopmentExperience working with children ages 4–6 in a classroom, camp, after-school, or enrichment setting.Strong classroom management and positive behavior guidance skills.Ability to plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate enrichment activities.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and colleagues.Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.

Experience teaching enrichment subjects such as:

STEM/science explorationArt and craftsMusic and movementLiteracy and storytellingSocial-emotional learning

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting in implementing and evaluating the daily operations of the Child Care classroom in conjunction with the Child Care Parent Handbook and Policies and Procedures Manual. Uphold the YMCA Mission at all times, focusing on the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Utilize the current PA Early Learning Standards to: plan, implement, assess and evaluate the daily operations of the classroom, using child needs and assessments as a guide to planning.

Offering activities that meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development of each individual child, establishing goals and maintaining child portfolios while implementing culturally diverse experiences.

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all children on a daily basis; ensuring the classroom environment and outdoor areas are well supervised and in good condition.Using positive guidance techniques outlined in the parent handbook, that incorporate the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility when working with children, families and coworkers.Establishing and maintaining positive and productive relationships with families, keeping parents/guardians well informed regarding the child’s growth and development, offering family resources and utilizing all communication resources.Ensuring Aides are included in the planning, implementing and evaluation of the daily program activities.Maintaining all paperwork (attendance, developmental screenings, child assessments, accident/incident reports, monthly reports, annual professional goals and assessments), and submit to the Child Care Office in a timely manner.Attending all staff meetings and family events as instructed by the Center DirectorMaintaining a professional appearance and attitude that reflects the YMCA at all times, upholding the policies outlined in the YMCA Personnel Policy handbook and Child Care Parent Handbook.Perform the Group Supervisor duties in their absence.Any other duties deemed necessary to ensure the success of the Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Preferred CDA, Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related human services field.

2. Minimum 2.5 years (2500 hours) documented experience working with children.

3. Strong Leadership and Communication Skills.

4. A commitment to continuous quality program improvements.

5. Certifications: American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/AED and Pediatric First Aid within 15 days of hire.

6. Completion of required trainings. Attaining all trainings as required by the Community YMCA, the center’s Keystone STARS level and DHS within the required timeframe.

7. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Able to lift and carry 15-50 pounds

2. Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.

3. Must be able to see, hear, direct, and assist members, guests, and staff to ensure safety.

4. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.