Position Title
Learning Center Teacher
Position Type
Part-Time
Date Posted
01/27/2012
Branch & Address
Quincy
79 Coddington Street
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 479-8500
Department
Learning Center
Job Description
This position works dependently under the general direction of the Lead Teacher and is responsible for the planning, execution and overall operation of a high quality Learning Center classroom which will include promoting YMCA core values and encourage lifelong learning. The successful candidate will provide community leadership for family/child development, leadership collaborations and be able to demonstrate high quality member service to both internal and external program participants, families, members, and volunteers to ensure member involvement, service and retention.
This program will achieve the associations’ goals and objectives by adhering to all Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) licensing, regulations and policies, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) policies, providing a safe environment for all participants while ensuring superior member service. This job requires knowledge of all EEC and Department of Education (DOE) regulations; commitment to the mission of the South Shore YMCA. The ability to define the Y’s impact in three focus areas of Youth Development-Healthy Living- Social Responsibility as well as articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility are essential.
Principle Responsibilities:
1. Supervisory Responsibilities—directly supervises program participants, teacher assistants and volunteers.
2. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, applicable laws, and NAEYC and EEC regulations.
3. Plans, assigns, and directs staff and volunteer work.
4. Monitor and communicate with supervisor all required staff related EEC, NAEYC, and South Shore YMCA requirements.
5. Addresses concerns and resolves problems in a timely, proactive, respectful manner always informing the Lead Teacher/Learning Center Director accordingly.
6. Participates in the Annual Support Campaign and monthly staff meetings as required.
7. Provides the children, parents/families and staff with a safe, clean and child-centered environment by:
• Formulate, develop and coordinate high quality early childhood programming to support core program goals in accordance with the Association and Branch strategic plans; work within available financial resources.
• Provide opportunities to explore issues of cultural, social, and individual diversity while developing awareness, acceptance and appreciation of differences including gender, language, culture, ethnicity, family composition and differing abilities.
• Assures implementation of Child Safety curriculums “Talk About Touching” and “Second Step” to promote safety skills and build social /emotional skills.
• Ensure regular program evaluations and use feedback gathered to develop program improvements.
• Adhere to the Learning Center Program Code of Conduct, South Shore YMCA Code of Conduct and Child Protection and Social Networking /Electronic Communication Policies.
• Works cooperatively to provide monthly written menus and curriculum calendars
• Participates in the well-being of the children, families, and classroom.
• Greeting each child and parent/family daily
• Provides and is engaged in meaningful activities with the children daily.
• Demonstrates appropriate and reasonable behavior expectations for children according to Learning Center Child Guidance Policy, South Shore YMCA Code of Conduct &Child Protection Policy.
• Encourages children to express feelings verbally
• Guides children in a positive and age appropriate child centered manner
• Actively supervises all play and program areas always adhering to EEC ratios.
• Promote awareness to be alert to the total group even when dealing with an individual child or small group.
• Appropriately communicate with children always at eye level to convey feelings of respect.
• Demonstrates flexibility in the classroom based on the dynamics of the group.
• Is a positive role model for children, families and co-teachers.
• Shares positive interactions to families about their child/children
• Positive and proactive with families in maintaining open /positive communication
• Communicates clearly, directly with co-workers, children and families in a proactive /solution oriented manner.
• Interacts positively and respectfully with children and families always displaying attitude that respects diversity.
• Provide reasonable accommodations to allow children with disabilities to participate in activities whenever possible and to meet each child’s individual needs according to EEC and ADA.
• Demonstrating proper judgment and follow through within the operation of all program areas.
Classroom Responsibilities –
1. Maintain current EEC and NAEYC license, standards and regulations.
2. Assist in the implementation of updated (1/1/2010) EEC Regulations
3. Conduct daily safety check to classroom and playground and communicate any deficiencies to the Learning Center Director.
4. Assist with the development/execution of curriculum with engaging, age appropriate activities for all program areas.
5. Provide a list of programs and services for the classroom that is consistent with community needs.
6. Regular and informative communication with the families of the Learning Center program supporting partnerships with families.
7. Assist with family night preparations and attend three of them.
8. Maintenance of quality program supplies, equipment and facilities.
YMCA Core Competencies - Leader
Mission and Community Oriented – Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Work effectively with people of all backgrounds and levels. Willingness to serve and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build supportive relationships with them.
People Oriented – Remains calm in challenging situations and seeks to understand the underlying cause. Speaks and writes effectively. Develops rapport, relates well and takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Results Oriented – Discovers ideas to create and deliver a high-value member experience. Makes sound judgments, establishes goals, plans work, supports fundraising, and adheres to budgeting procedures.
Qualifications
Special Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specialized, Technical or Practical Know How:
Completion or in process of attaining an Associates degree from a community college or university in Early Education, or related field is preferred. Minimum of teacher qualifications from the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Minimum of one year or related experience of working with children is required as well as the ability to handle many tasks/projects simultaneously. Knowledge and experience with Early Education and Care, Department of Education Guidelines/Standards, and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Certificates, Licenses, Trainings
• All staff are required to complete New Employee Orientation (Child Abuse Prevention; OSHA and Emergency Procedures) Training prior to beginning employment
• CPR/AED/FA must be completed within 30 days of employment.
• Registration to the PQ Early Education and Care on line Registry.education on-line training via EEC website Professional Development trainings/activities as mandated by EEC and NAEYC.
Human Relations Skills:
The ability to develop positive, effective working relationships with, staff, children & families, volunteers, school administrators, members, community leaders and other agencies are critical to this position. Effective teaching skills, the ability to implement methods to address and follow up with parent needs/concerns appropriately and reflecting an attitude that values diversity is required. Effective teaching skills, the ability to deliver excellent member service, and a high level of enthusiasm are required.
Managerial Skills:
Ensure that all of the Program’s NAEYC, South Shore YMCA, and EEC policies are implemented, meet all regulatory requirements including providing written information via Parent Handbook, assist in the development and execution of Learning Center curriculum and individual progress reports through Work Sampling system. Demonstrated skills in staff and volunteer development, planning, supervision are important to this position. Teachers must possess excellent communication skills and demonstrate poise professionalism with staff, families, participants and other professionals. Completed and implementing all curriculums, assessment tools, daily sheets, and any other requirements per EEC, YMCA, and NAEYC.