Overview We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Lead Teacher to inspire and guide young learners in a vibrant educational environment. As a Lead Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating classroom atmosphere that promotes early childhood development and learning. Your expertise will help shape the educational journey of children, ensuring they develop essential skills across literacy, math, social-emotional growth, and physical activity. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead curriculum development, implement innovative teaching strategies, and collaborate with families and colleagues to create a positive impact on children's lives. Responsibilities Create and implement daily lesson plans using the provided curriculum as a guide. Post current lesson plans for staff and parents to view. Create and maintain a positive classroom culture. Contribute to activity preparation, clean up, and room maintenance. Actively supervise children and participate with children in activities. Maintain continuous awareness of the number and location of all children in your care at all times. Oversee the overall function of the classroom. Provide guidance and redirection for children's behavior. Attend to the personal hygiene of each child, including regular diapering when applicable. Conduct child evaluations. Make referrals to outside agencies for children who are not meeting developmental milestones and/or may need additional support. Conduct parent conferences. Follow strict confidentiality of all information regarding children, families and staff. Maintain required program records including but not limited to meal counts, attendance records, accident/incident logs, and drill logs. Maintain CACFP rules and regulations for all meals and snacks. Maintain all rules and regulations for MN State RULE (3). Attend trainings and staff meetings, including abuse risk management trainings. Supervise supporting classroom staff, including but not limited to, assistants, tutors, student teachers. Support the Site Director in providing daily leadership and communication to team members and families. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements. Serve as a model of early childhood best practices and professionalism for your team. Represent the YMCA in a pleasant and professional manner. Other duties deemed necessary by the YMCA Education Director and/or Site Director. Requirements Minimum age of 18 Meet MN DHS Rule 3 Teacher qualifications including yearly in service requirements. Adult and Child CPR, First-Aid, AED Certifications within 90 days of hire date and continued maintenance of certification. A commitment to working with children in a developmental setting and a sincere desire to have a meaningful affect on their lives through quality childcare Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds Able to plan, organize and execute developmentally appropriate program activities Excellent skills in teaching, communication and human relations. Dependability, including arriving at the scheduled work site on time and maintaining regular attendance in accordance with the department's attendance policy.

WORK CONDITIONS

Perform all physical aspects of the position, including frequently moving around, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time. Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in urgent situations. Capacity to function well in a fast-paced, highly active, and ever-changing classroom environment. May provide children with assistance in dealing with issues such as personal hygiene, medical needs, toileting, diapering, lifting, and feeding. May be exposed to verbal outbursts, physical actions or bodily fluids in the childcare environment.

COMPETENCIES

Mission Advancement Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrate a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

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 judgements and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better family experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings.

Personal Growth:

Perseus 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 to their highest ability. Uses best practices and demonstrates up to date knowledge and skills in technology.

Pay:

$18.00 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person