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Gain a wholesome experience working with children in an Early Childhood Educational setting!
Job Description
Early Learning Teachers in the Head Start program are responsible for the care and education of a group of children as a part of a teaching team. Head Start Teachers plan and implement the curriculum and, with active participation of other members of the teaching team, works with families and assesses the needs of individual children.
Specific Responsibilities
1. Accurate documentation of attendance, absentees, newsletters, and emergency information on each child.
2. Incorporation of the recommendations of the YMCA’s design and implementation of the program.
3. Report to work on time, prepare all activities, lessons, and supplies prior to class.
4. Conduct observations and evaluation on all children enrolled and share results with parents at conferences that are held two times per year.
5. Report all problems, incidents, and accidents to directors when they occur along with incident reports
6. Clean up classroom, sweep floors, vacuum, disinfect tables before, after, and during meals, play, or when appropriate.
7. Attend monthly meetings in the child care department.
8. Supervision of all children in care, develop card system, keep supervision board current throughout the day.
9. Any other duties as they are assigned.
Benefits
1. Group Health Insurance, Dental, & Vision Plans available upon completion of introductory employment period.
2. Employee discounts on Child Care & other YMCA programs.
3. PTO & Paid Holidays.
4. Free YMCA membership for employee and immediate family.
5. Assistance with professional development credits.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- 1-2 years experience preferred.
- Experience/knowledge and/or understanding of PA DHS, STARS, Head Start & Early Head Start policies and procedures.
- Strong Communication and teamwork is required.
- Passion for working with young children in an educational setting preferred.
- Age 18 and older.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities/Duties:
To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment
1. Designs appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the classroom.
2. Implements a nutritious food program.
3. Promotes healthy eating practices.
4. Maintains a safe environment.
5. Posts necessary information to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.
6. Maintains an orderly learning environment.
7. Reviews and implements DHS regulations, as well as Head Start and/or Early Head Start.
To advance physical and intellectual competence
1. Provides a balance between child-initiated activities.
2. Provides a balance between quiet and active learning activities.
3. Uses equipment and materials for indoor play that promote children’s physical development.
4. Involves children in planning and implementing learning activities.
5. Provides an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children.
6. Plans and implements experiences that promote language and literacy development.
7. Plans a monthly curriculum which aligns with Creative Curriculum and shown to the directors for approval.
To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
1. Plans and implements hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem and social skills.
2. Plans and implements culturally diverse experiences.
3. Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques.
4. Provides a wide variety of creative and expressive activities.
5. Establishes routines with smooth transition periods.
6. Communicates with children at their developmental level.
7. Encourages children to be independent.
To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs
1. Assesses program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities and be prepared for the day with supplies needed.
2. Provides directions and guidance to staff and the program.
3. Maintains written plans on a weekly basis.
4. Assesses children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.
5. Uses results of assessments to plan activities.
To maintain a commitment to professionalism
1. Promotes the YMCA's philosophy and educational objectives.
2. Supports the Y's code of ethical conduct.
3. Engages in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills.
4. Supports the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement.
5. Attends staff meetings and Professional Development training as instructed by the Y Child Care Directors.
Required Certifications
- Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- Child Development Associate certification preferred.
- Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid.
- Mandated Reporter, Better Kid Care Health & Safety Trainings must be completed upon hire.
- Required background clearances upon hire.