Preschool Group Teacher (West Side YMCA)

Description:

The YMCA of Greater New York reaches half a million New Yorkers through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The West Side YMCA is seeking an experienced individual who, under the direction of the Early Childhood Director, will plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the preschool students. The Preschool Group Teacher works within the framework of the program to carry out its functions, policies, and procedures; including but not limited to: student assessments, work sampling, individualized plans, and parent / family engagement. This temporary position is scheduled to begin in January 2018 and will last up to five (5) months.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of children in the program, by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Work with the Early Childhood Director to plan and implement developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and activities, including but not limited to, literacy, arts, math, cooking, science, outdoor / indoor recreation, field trips.
• Work with the Early Childhood Director to develop classroom centers, coordinated with the on-going curriculum that respond to children’s interests and are coordinated with the ongoing curriculum.
• Facilitate student assessments and work sampling.
• Guide students in their academic growth.
• Work with parents to promote understanding of the growth and development of their child, through effective communication.
• Encourage parent participation in special events, meetings, and in-class volunteer opportunities.
• Work with the Early Childhood Director to develop effective communication strategies.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Early Childhood Learning Center and the YMCA Branch.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment, by reporting and / or removing all potential hazards, and by setting up spaces and materials with a focus on supporting child learning.
• Conduct fire drills and manage emergency procedures, in accordance with the guidelines of the Center and the YMCA of Greater New York.
• Prepare food for children and maintain a family style setting for eating, conducive to language, cognitive and social development, as well as the development of healthy habits.
• Maintain accurate program documentation; including but not limited to incident / accident / behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign-in / sign-out sheets, development / growth forms; document eating and sleeping, parent surveys, etc.
• Maintain equipment, storage, and supply inventory.
• Ensure that all YMCA of Greater New York, Department of Health, and Department of Education (if applicable) guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in all training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Qualifications: