Job Information
YWCA Kalamazoo Early Learning Lead Teacher in Kalamazoo, Michigan
YWCA Kalamazoo is on a Mission!
At YWCA Kalamazoo, we look for people who want to make a difference and do something that MATTERS. YWCA Kalamazoo is your ally who is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. When you work for YWCA Kalamazoo, you become part of a worldwide movement: eliminating racism and empowering women.
Simply put, YWCA Kalamazoo draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power to attain a common vision of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
Our employee-centric philosophies focus on taking care of you and promoting a healthy work-life balance. We offer a benefits package tailored with YOU in mind!
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
*PRIMARY FUNCTION: * The Lead Teacher position works within a teaching team to support the care and development of young children ages 6 weeks to under 3 years in a structured early learning environment.
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QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Significant and relevant post-high school education or training in early childhood education or child/family-related fields, or Associate's/Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Elementary Education.
- CDA in infants/toddlers is required.
- Two years of classroom experience, post CDA certification.
- Two years of experience working with young children within a licensed childcare facility.
- Understanding of Creative Curriculum (curriculum), Teaching Strategies GOLD (developmental assessment tool), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (developmental screener).
- Evidence of accurate record-keeping and data-collection skills
- Ability to maintain positive working relationships with team members
- Strong teamwork, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to meet requirements of the Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing.
- Satisfactory response to criminal and child abuse and neglect history checks.
- Able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Organizes and implements age-appropriate learning activities/ experiences with individual children and small and large groups within the approved curriculum.
Observes and assesses utilizing Teaching Strategies GOLD and ASQ-3/ASQ-SE.
Conduct Parent/Teacher conferences 2 times per year.
Supervises children's activities to ensure safety, and promote socialization and enjoyment of children attending the facility.
Works cooperatively with the assistant site director to resolve any programmatic or family concerns including but not limited to communication, service delivery, quality, curriculum, personnel, and assessment.
Works cooperatively with the assistant site director, on assigned duties, such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness, and using time effectively.
Participates in mealtime activities with the children to encourage good eating habits, good table manners, conversation, and clean-up.
Accompanies and supervises children on field trips.
Assists children in all daily activities including, but not limited to: toileting, personal hygiene, dressing, and eating.
Commits to self-education on anti-bias education, racial justice, and gender equity issues.
Monitors health status of children for illness or areas of concern and reports to parents and assistant director.
Cleans up after activities.
Provides written and/or verbal communication to parents regarding the child's daily activities, progress, and behavior.
Observes all Children's Center and YWCA policies and procedures.
Particip