Homeschool Program Lead Instructor

Description

GENERAL FUNCTION

The chief function of the Homeschool Program Lead Instructor is to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging class for children of various ages and ability levels. The Homeschool Program Lead Instructor must have a genuine interest in not only the class material they are teaching, but also the well-being of our staff, members, guests and volunteers.

KNOW – HOW

This position requires the incumbent to possess:

1. Knowledge and understanding of class subject concepts and their application to the group setting.
2. Ability to communicate and educate students of various abilities on how to perform specific activities and make adaptations where needed.
3. The nature of the position requires physical effort such as setting up supplies in a classroom, moving around the classroom to attend to student needs, and instructing activities in front of the group.
4. Homeschool Program Lead Instructors should be good decision makers/problem solvers in conjunction with knowledge of established policy.
5. Knowledge of and ability to work with children of diverse abilities, both physical and neurological, and the ability to provide safe and calm guidance in situations of physical or emotional distress.
6. Excellent communication and collaborative skills, and be a team player.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Instructor should encourage questions and socialization before and after class, and will be available for 15 minutes before and after class for child or parent questions, after set up and take down are completed. 
2. Instructor is responsible for documenting class attendance and communicating with caretakers on concerns, injuries, and other relevant information.
3. Instructor must communicate needs to their supervisor. Instructor is to provide communication on supply or plan needs/changes. 
4. Instructor needs to provide activities that can be completed in class and returned to the student by the end of the session.
5. Instructors may need to arrange and prepare class materials and supplies in advance and bring them to the organization on the day of instruction and be responsible for cleanup and storage of materials.
6. Instructor should provide detailed instruction on activities, and provide a range of options for various ability levels to complete a version of the activity.
7. Instructor should have active participation in collaborative planning of instructional units/themes and deliberate execution of plans.
8. Instructor should be able to define needed supplies within a specific budget and procure them according to the organization's policies.
9. Instructor will work with staff, community partners, and volunteers to make sure participants are supported through activities.
10. Instructor will assist in setup and take down of equipment, assist team members as needed in order to ensure class starts on time, and ensure students are not distracted when instruction begins.
11. Instructor may be responsible for other duties pertinent to the success of relevant programs as determined by the supervisor.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

When the Homeschool Program Lead Instructor duties are fulfilled successfully, the YMCA will be viewed and respected as a community leader in homeschool educational activities. Participants will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge on specific activities and become more connected to the program/organization. Therefore, successful fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1. Meeting participant goals and retention rates.
2. Participants and families become engaged in the YMCA as potential members. 
3. Well-kept equipment and facilities.
4. Achievement of department operating objectives.

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise
• 403(b) and 401(a) (upon eligibility)
• Paid time off in conjunction with IL Paid Leave for All Workers Act

ABUSE PREVENTION

As a YMCA staff member, you are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all members, participants, and colleagues. This includes actively adhering to and promoting the YMCA's abuse risk management policies, which are designed to prevent and address any potential incidents of abuse. You are expected to remain vigilant in recognizing signs of abuse, report any concerns or suspicious behaviors immediately, and participate in required training to stay informed on best practices for safeguarding. Your commitment to these protocols is essential in fostering a trusted, respectful, and secure environment for everyone involved in YMCA programs and services.