Early Childhood Lead Teacher (Infants) at YMCA of Rock River Valley

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionYOUR IMPACTThis role is crucial to the mission of the Y, a leading nonprofit focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Lead Teacher will play a critical role in the successful operation of their designated YMCA classroom. This role develops and leads high-quality early childhood activities that foster each child’s growth—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. The lead teacher provides a positive classroom experience for children and families, implements age-appropriate curriculum, and supports all age groups as needed within the program.EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIESLeads and implements developmentally appropriate practices supporting a structured learning environment. Ensures high quality, developmental activities and establishes new interactive learning opportunities.Writes and creates lesson plans that support widely held expectations and development.Works hands-on inside the program equipping and leading the children and staff.Helps lead and develop program new hires and volunteers. Helps review and evaluate staff performance as needed.Develops and maintains relationships with enrolled students. Creates an attentive, nurturing environment for participants in which they can thrive.May assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.Helps operate program within pre-determined budget.Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities, supplies and equipment and ensures the physical environment is supportive for youth development.Develops and maintains effective relationships with parents. Responds to all parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner. Leads parent-teacher conferences twice per year.Helps maintain proper records such as incident reports, developmental screenings, and children’s files. Responsible for developmental screening and milestone assessments, e.g., Ages and Stages questionnaires and Teaching Strategies Gold.Helps organize and deliver special events for parents and children.Responsible for all cleaning and sanitizing of the classrooms and equipment. Maintains tidiness of all activity spaces and classrooms.Provides an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.Provides active and constant supervision at all times including free play, structured learning and nap time.Provides support to all classrooms and age-groups as needed.Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 2 Positions2 Positions: YMCA Children's Learning CenterMonday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm$18.50-$21.50 per hour (includes $15.75 base rate and $2.75 grant-funded differential)Wage differentials are contingent upon the continuation of funding received from the Smart Start Workforce Grant which is reviewed quarterlyNote: This position has a lead time of 6-8 weeks before placement.Regardless of your primary classroom placement, this role will be expected to assist with all ages in the program.QUALIFICATIONSMinimum age of 19 years oldHigh school diploma or equivalent required; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experienceMust have completed 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours in courses directly related to childcare and/or development from birth to age six; or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); or 1 year of child development experience and 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 6 semester hours directly related to child care and/or development from birth to age sixCPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 daysCurrent Praesidium Academy trainingsUpon Hire:Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB testMust submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B) and be fingerprinted (if necessary)A minimum of 3 written referencesRegister with Gateways to OpportunityAbility to participate in a minimum of 15 clock hours of in-service training per calendar yearComplete Mandated Reporter Training, as well as all required Gateways training per DCFSTraining in ECERS/ITERS Quality Rating Scale trainings and assessmentsExcelleRate Illinois Early Childhood Credential Level 3 or higher preferredTraining in Creative Curriculum and Assessment preferredThe Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y:ALL STAFF BENEFITS:Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child CarePay Differential for Bilingual EmployeesPaid Time Off: Paid Leave for All WorkersEmployee Crisis FundEmployee Assistance ProgramCell Phone Discounts with Participating ProvidersTickets At Work Discount Program401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account OptionsFor retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:Free Family Membership3 Paid Floating Holidays10.5 Paid HolidaysPaid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment TypeShort-Term Disability ProgramMedical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution RequiredLife and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs AvailableAccident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution RequiredTuition Reimbursement: Must Meet QualificationsPART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:Free individual MembershipDiscounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership CategoryOUR CULTURE Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.OUR COMMITMENT TO BELONGINGThe Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTIONThe YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility