Job Title: Lead UPK Teacher
Reports To: Preschool Director
FLSA: Non-exempt – Full-time
Work Schedule: M-F 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
Our purpose is to strengthen the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are committed to these causes because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values. Historically founded on the Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility; our mission is to put these principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
We are for ALL.
- Salary Range: $21.00-$25.00/hour, Full-Time Non-exempt
- YMCA Family Membership
- YMCA Retirement Fund Contribution: 12% (Y-10%; employee-2%)
- Option to enroll and contribute to a 403(b) Retirement Savings Account.
- Health Insurance (2 plans with significant employer contribution for employee’s premium)
- Personal Time, Vacation, New York State Paid Sick Leave, and Six Paid Holidays
- New York State Paid Sick Leave
- Full Benefits Flyer: Flyer with Benefits.pdf (ymcacny.org)
• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization; supporting members connect with each other and the YMCA.
• Maintains physical presence, always remains alert while on duty.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures; completes related reports as required.
• Plan, organize, and lead all daily preschool program activities including academic, physical, and social opportunities. Lesson plans must be posted for parents and readily available for substitute staff.
• Report to the program ready to work at designated times and prepared to stay until all of the children have left.
• Provide a safe, healthy, moral, and fun environment for all children, supervising children at all times.
• Provide a positive role model for the children in the program. This includes actions, speech, and attire of all staff.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, procedures, and staff expectations, including those for the prevention of child abuse.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on department offerings and member engagement.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed. Clean and store equipment per branch procedures.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Is willing to step up, even if outside of the position description, to contribute to the overall success of the YMCA.
- Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
- Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
- Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
- The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in child development and early education theories and practices and safe and appropriate activities for children.
- Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position.
- Must demonstrate excellent teaching and decision making skills.
- Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people.
- Possess a general knowledge and understanding of YMCA, its goals, and its mission.
- Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation.
- Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities and expectations of early childhood including ages 2 to 6. Knowledge of school age child care preferred.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to children’s needs.
- Be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment.
- Prior to assignment to initial position, the incumbent will:
- Complete an initial medical statement and tuberculin test providing satisfactory evidence that they are physically fit to provide child day care.
- Within the first 30-days of employment, the incumbent will:
- Undergo fingerprint and background screening as mandated by the NYS OCFS.
- Obtain clearance on the State Central Register (SCR) and Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCL).
• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
• Must hold CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications
• Must attend Medication Administration Training within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must hold NYS Certification in Early Childhood Education
- Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
- Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.