Early Childhood Head Teacher Ii (West Side Ymca)

Salary: $62,400 Annually

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The West Side YMCA is seeking an Early Childhood Head Teacher who, under the supervision of the Early Childhood Director, will plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of preschool students. The Early Childhood Head Teacher will work within the framework of the Center’s program to carry out its functions, policies, and procedures, including but not limited to student assessments, work sampling, individualized plans, and parent/ family engagement. The Head Teacher will supervise and/or coach classroom Assistant Teachers. They will support the Center and Branch with Open Houses, Annual Campaign events, and events, such as Healthy Kids Day, as needed.

The Early Childhood Program operates Monday – Friday, from August 29, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Plan developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and activities. Implement lessons and activities, including but not limited to literacy, arts, math, cooking, science, outdoor/indoor recreation, field trips, etc.
• Develop classroom centers 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 the growth and development of their child. Effectively communicate with parents, verbally and in written form, throughout the school year.
• Encourage parent participation in special events, meetings, and in-class volunteer opportunities.
• Developing effective communication strategies.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Early Childhood Learning Center and the YMCA Branch; and supervise Assistant Teachers, Teacher Aides, Early Childhood Specialists, and Volunteers.
• 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, as needed.
• Ensure that all YMCA of Greater New York, Department of Health, and Department of Education (if applicable) guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, all training sessions, and special events.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) and State certification or NYSED approved certification; or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and 5 years of experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with young children in a group setting.
• New York State Pre-K Foundation for the Common Core.
• Good physical condition required; including the ability to pick up infants/ toddlers, walk stairs, sit with students, and supervise students in the pool, as needed.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Bilingual preferred.

Benefits:
The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:
If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,400.00 per year

Work Location: In person