About the Role
A Lead Teacher represents the YMCA personally, professionally and in a manner in accordance with the mission and goals of the YMCA. Under the supervision of the Site Director, the Lead Teacher plans and implements classroom curriculum, updates children's records, communicates information to families, and maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and attractive environment. Age appropriate activities should provide for growth in skills, self-awareness, friendships, and character development. By conducting themselves in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner, Lead Teachers are role models for children and adults. In addition, they ensure focus on programming that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, with the ultimate goal to assist children in reaching their fullest potential. Lead Teachers implement activities for our youngest learners that align with MA guidelines and provide for positive research-based outcomes for children served. Nurturing the socio-emotional health of the children in our care is considered a primary foundation for success, including cognitive and physical growth, as well as school readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Keeps safety of children as a first priority; emphasize personal safety and emotional well-being with the children, families, and other staff at all times.
- Uses positive and constructive methods of behavior guidance and ensures that colleagues are utilizing similar strategies.
- Supervises children to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and smooth transitions.
- Works with the Director & other Teachers regarding daily duties/ needs of the program; ensures classroom and materials are properly maintained sustains and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
- Is actively engaged in assessing children's progress, curriculum planning, program assessments, and communication with families.
- Works with the Director and other Teacher to introduce activities that positively enga9e the group while considering individualized instruction as necessary.
- Participates in a minimum of 20 hours of training per year and meets EEC/YMCA training guideline.
- Attends regular staff meetings and Association-wide or regional events as assigned.
- Exhibits flexibility with scheduling, classroom assignments, and substituting in varied areas of the program.
- Considers exceptional attendance at work, promptness for shift, and reliability as core work ethic.
- Is knowledgeable in and adheres to the rules, regulations, and procedures set forth by the YMCA of Greater Boston and the Department of Early Education and Care.
- Is active in branch-related activities and communicates regularly with other department staff.
- Participates in some manner in the Annual Campaign.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Is Lead Teacher qualified by the Department of Early Education and Care standards.
- First Aid and CPR certified within the first 6 months of employment.
- Excellent skills in working with families, conflict resolution, and community relations.
- Knowledge of group process with ability to make contributions to a positive team dynamic.
- Commitment to the philosophy and goals of the YMCA.
- Effective leadership skills and crisis management skills.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Participate in online training - Blood Borne Pathogens, Sexual Harassment, and Child Abuse Prevention - within the first 60 days of employment.
Effect on End Results:
Effectiveness is measured by -
- A warm, engaging environment for children, staff and families which meet quality standards and EEC licensing requirements.
- A developmentally sound program for children which provides positive channels to grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.
Positive program assessments through observations and parent feedback.
- A program which meets the community needs in a manner consistent with the YMCA mission.
YMCA Competencies (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values; demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs; recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them; supports fund- raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions; builds rapport and relates well to others; seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations; listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively; takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another; embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience; establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings; follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately; strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Persona/ Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance; demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process; accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships; has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
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Benefits
Why work at the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:
- Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
- Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
- Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
- Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
- A healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive benefits including:
- FREE YMCA Membership for you.
- Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
- Discounted or FREE family membership.
- Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
- Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)