Preschool Teacher (YMCA West San Gabriel Valley)

This position supports the work of a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Preschool Teacher (2-5 yr. olds) creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Provides direction for the children in the classroom and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Relationships, Communication, Developing Others, Inclusion, Quality Results, Project

Management, Functional Expertise

• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Full understanding of licensing regulations (Title 22) and responsible for ensuring location operates in full compliance at all times. Steps in as individual in charge when Site Director is not present during program hours as assigned.
• Assists with onboarding and training of staff members as assigned.
• Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program. Provide oversight and guidance to Teacher Assistant as assigned.

Licensed Toddler, Preschool Programs

Toddler 1 Teacher to 6 toddlers

1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 12 toddlers

Preschool

1 Teacher to 12 children

1 Partially Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 15 children

1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 18 children

Licensed School Age Programs

1:14 on site

• No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.
• Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
• Actively supports and is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
• Research, plan and implement program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with values, Desired Results findings, and established guidelines. Create and maintain a learning environment that is safe, clean and healthy according to the Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS or SACERS).
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and expectations.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child following the assessment tools provided in the curriculum. Communicates with supervisor regarding child’s development.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them.
• Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
• Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintains positive relationship with parents, other team members and community partners. Models' relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
• Oversees and provides guidance to assigned Teacher Assistant, when appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AGE: Eighteen years or older

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent

ECE/CD UNITS: Current Child Development Teacher Permit. Renew every 5 years with

105 hours of professional growth.

RELATED EXPERIENCE: At least 175 days of experience in an instructional capacity in a

childcare and development program, working at least 3 hours per day within the last 4 years.

Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate

program activities. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop

positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty,

caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved EMSA or American Red Cross First

Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (8 hours). Completion of child abuse

prevention training prior to first day in program. Basic Water Safety certification for school-

age programs. A course in Preventative Health Practices (PHP).

IMMUNIZATION & PHYSICAL: Current TB, influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis,

and measles vaccination and physical exam.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Job does include water-related activities.
• Ability to lift 30-35 lbs.