UPK Lead Preschool Teacher

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 accordingly. The incumbent will supervise and train Associate Teacher and/or Teacher Assistants to comply with the YMCA’s policies and philosophy of education. The position is responsible to act as a liaison between the Childcare Director and families participating in the program.

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 classroom.
• Conduct parent conferences, and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages 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, ensure 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.
• Works with Childcare Director to determine and establish key goals annually.
• Support branch and Association-wide goals, initiatives and activities.
• Actively participates 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, so as not to bring discredit to the Association
• Performs such other job-related duties as may be periodically 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. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. 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 team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

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. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

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 communication 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.