Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director and or Ed Coordinator the Lead Teacher shall have the responsibilities for the overall operation of the assigned classroom.  The Lead Teacher insures that the classroom maintains the standards of instruction that follow the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Establish a warm and professional rapport with all children and families in the classroom.
2. Maintain healthy and safety standards in the classroom
3. Develop integrated, developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum for children designed to promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth through the use of the RIELDS.
4. Maintain accurate attendance records and meal tracking (CACFP; if applicable)
5. Ensure cleanliness of the classroom including counter tops, sinks and tables
6. Greet families and children as they enter or exit the classroom and or building
7. Ensure that the Teacher Assistant understands the plan for the day and can be supportive to the needs of the children
8. Support social and emotional development and positive guidance in the classroom
9. Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the age of the children using the ITERS-3 or ECERS-3 tool as a guide
10. Observe and document the individual progress of each child through authentic assessment practices for the dual purpose of informing classroom instruction and curriculum and communicate children’s’ progress with families through TSG assessment tools and conferences based on schedule provided at the beginning of each school year
11. Ensure lesson plans are submitted based on the schedule given out at the beginning of each school year
12. Ensure appropriate active supervision of children at all times of the day (especially in the bathroom and on the playground)
13. Be familiar with DHS licensing regulations, and Family Handbook
14. Participate in Family Engagement Activities run by the center
15. Develop a yearly Professional Development Plan that is aligned to the RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, which will include 20 hour of training in a related field.
16. Participate in all staff trainings and parent/staff meetings and other mandatory or required meetings during the year.
17. Complete the duties or provide coverage as assigned by the Ed Coordinator/Director of the program

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The Lead Teacher shall have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college or hold a minimum of 12 college credits in early childhood education
2. Three months experience working in a classroom environment
3. Must be at least 21 years of age
4. Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire
5. Obtain or begin the requirements to obtain the RIELDS certificate within 3 months of hire
6. Meet all DHS and YMCA Employment qualifications

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions o