The Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.
1. Assumes responsibility for the health and safety of all children in the program.
2. Plans and teaches weekly lesson plans based on an emergent curriculum connected with CT ELDS / Teaching Strategies
3. Conducts daily observations based on CT DOTS/ Teaching Strategies Gold and place weekly in child’s portfolio. Collect samples of work and document weekly in child’s individual portfolio.
4. Evaluates each student and discuss problem or progress with parents daily.
5. Coordinate special events in connection with weekly lesson plans.
6 Attends staff orientation and staff meetings as required.
7. Make referrals for support services as needed and advocates for children and families.
8. Organizes the classroom environment to support children’s socio-emotional development, promote learning through play and promote physical development. Using transition time as opportunities for learning.
9. Promotes learning in all areas of the classroom: Block Area; Dramatic Play, Manipulative Area; Literacy center, Computer, Sand and Water Area; Science Area, Art area and woodworking.
10. Provide Child Development Director with weekly classroom checklists and Head Teacher meetings.
11. Participate in weekly swim lessons with the children. Teachers are required to get in the water with the children.
12. Follows all policies and procedures regarding abuse and neglect mandated reporting.
13. Keeps accurate and clearly written records for monthly Nutrition and School Readiness reports (i.e. attendance)
14. Promotes team-orientated attitude. Supervises, collaborates with, delegates, and motivates and other teachers in responsibilities and overall classroom climate.
15. Informs Child Development Director of any significant issues related to staff, children or facility.
16. Promote professionalism and growth and is an exemplary role model.
17. Leads and trains staff in carrying out daily center activities as well as special events.
18. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
19. Ensures all activities are conducted in compliance of state regulations, School Readiness requirements, NAEYC accreditation standards, CACFP, and YMCA policies. Ensures all licensing requirements, regulations and policies are in compliance. Including proper staff ratios and reporting requirements.
· Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or meet qualifications of Qualified Staff Member (QSM) Requirements for State-Funded Programs
· Minimum age of 21. Associates Degree in Early Child Education will be considered providing a Bachelors degree will be completed by 2029.
· Within 90 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, medication administration, EPI pen and Bloodborne Pathogens training.
· Knowledge of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), and CT Documentation and Observation
for Teaching Systems (CT DOTS) and or Teaching Strategies
Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
Head Teacher Certificate from the State
First Aid and CPR
Medication Administration and EPI Pen
Familiar with NAEYC, CT ELDS, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies and Tadpoles
Naugatuck YMCA offers paid time off - vaction days, 7 holidays, personal days, and sick time
Health insurance plans,
Pension plan with an employer match of up to 12%,
A gym membership
Discounted child care
Training opportunities
College discounts