Preschool Lead Teacher

Preschool Lead Teacher

Full-Time position - 40 hours/week

Administrative Duties

• Follow the policies and procedures of the Cambridge YMCA Childcare Program
• Be knowledgeable and adhere to EEC licensing regulations
• Attend monthly staff meetings
• Respect the confidentiality of YMCA family and staff
• Attend continuing education training to complete 20 hours/year
• Check email once at the end of the day (until the Director says otherwise)
• Support the Child Care Director with duties and responsibilities (especially when the Director is not in the program)
• Run the day-to-day operations of the classroom
• Communicate and assist Afterschool with staffing issues

Planning Time

• 3 hours of planning time per week
• During planning time - print schedules, lists, children's names, and anything relating to the functioning of the classroom.
• Create lesson plans a week in advance - all lesson plans need to be completed before the end of the day on Friday before the week starts.
• Meet with teachers if needed
• Write notes on children that are assigned to you
• Decide on the next theme with other teachers and create an outline together to jump-start a new theme

Environment

• Supervise and manage staff (teachers and volunteers)
• Ensure a safe and healthy working environment (for children, parents and staff)
• Complete daily tasks assigned
• Participate in regular cleaning of materials and classroom spaces
• Keep the classroom clean and tidy.
• Make sure the office is clean and organized after each use.
• Create a culturally inclusive classroom environment with activities that support different cultures and backgrounds
• Keep the voice level in the classroom low. No shouting/yelling across the classroom (make sure all teachers are on the same level)
• Be truthful in all areas of work.

Teachers

• Support curriculum development
• Support behavior management and provide resources for teachers who need extra support
• Communicate with teachers in an empathetic manner
• Create own lesson plan and assist other teachers with lesson planning
• Support teachers with the implementation of lesson plans
• Meet with teachers who need extra support in the classroom
• Give all teachers planning time at least once a week

Program for Children

• Engage children as individuals in a way that allows them to grow at their own abilities
• Ensure all children in the program are observed frequently by all staff
• Support children in their growth and development
• Communicate with children in an empathetic manner
• Make sure all teachers are taking notes of their assigned children
• Use appropriate behavior guidance techniques for all children in the program
• Observe all teachers using appropriate behavior guidance techniques for all children in the program
• Must handle difficult behaviors consistently and in a timely manner
• Discipline should be done with reason

Parents

• Maintain daily open communication with parents
• Communicate with parents in an empathetic and appropriate manner
• Keep track of children and communicate regularly with parents about their progress in the program
• Schedule and participate in parent conferences
• Complete program tours for new parents (when the Director assigns them)
• Communicate child concerns and family needs to the preschool staff
• Comfortable with communicating child concerns with parents

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, CDA, or Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum working 1 year in a preschool setting
• EEC Lead Teacher Certification
• Familiarity of EEC regulations and guidelines
• Child and adult CPR/First Aid
• Complete 12-hour EEC Strong Start training

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask
• Familiarity with developmentally appropriate practice
• Ability to work as a team and maintain positive relationships with staff, parents and children
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education
• Experience working with staff and families from diverse backgrounds

Lead teachers must adhere to other duties as assigned by the Director.

Benefits:

• After 90 days eligible for medical and dental insurance
• Retirement - 11% after one year
• Three weeks vacation
• Free gym membership
• $1000 sign-on bonus and another $1000 after 6 months

$25-$30/hour (depending on experience and education)

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Cambridge, MA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person