Early Childhood Group Teacher (West Side YMCA)

Part-Time / Regular
$17.17 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and "LEAP" career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The West Side YMCA is seeking an Early Childhood Group Teacher. Under the supervision of the Early Childhood Director, the Group Teacher will plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the preschool-age students. The Group Teacher works within the framework of the Center's program to carry out its functions, policies, and procedures, including, but not limited to, student assessments, work sampling, individualized plans, and parent/family engagement. The Group Teacher will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for children, providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities, lesson plans, and special events that are age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and value-based in the areas of arts, STEM, character development/SEL, creative expression, community service, physical fitness, and/or nutrition.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for program activities.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment by reporting and/or removing all potential hazards, and setting up spaces and materials with a focus on supporting child learning.
• Support the coordination and presentation of a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Provide support to Activity Specialists with activity implementation.
• Facilitate student assessments and work sampling, and guide participants in their academic growth.
• Work cooperatively with other branch staff and program staff.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Conduct fire drills and manage emergency procedures in accordance with the guidelines of the Center and the YMCA of Greater New York.
• Prepare food for children and maintain a family-style setting for eating conducive to language, cognitive, and social development, as well as the development of healthy habits.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior/accident/incident reports, attendance sheets, development/growth forms, document eating and sleeping patterns, parent/guardian surveys, etc.) as appropriate.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA's core values and the goals of the Early Childhood program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child's strengths and areas of growth.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Must have one of the following:
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field of study approved by the DOH and at least two (2) years of documented experience as a Group Teacher in a program for children under the age of six (6), and a valid certification issued by NYSED.
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field of study approved by the DOH and a valid certification issued by NYSED.
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field of study approved by the DOH and two (2) years of supervised and documented relevant experience in a preschool program. If currently enrolled in a permitted childcare program study plan, must meet the requirements within seven (7) years, and have obtained approval of the plan by an accredited college. Must submit documentation to the Department indicating proof of enrollment in such college and specifying the time, not to exceed seven (7) years, required for completion of the study plan.
• To be eligible for a study plan, one must have one of the following:
• Associate's degree in early childhood education, practicum included, or ninety (90) or more undergraduate college credits and one (1) year of classroom experience teaching children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or grades 1-2.
• Bachelor's degree in any other academic subject and one (1) year of classroom experience teaching children up to third grade.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with young children in a group setting.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual's employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your rsum and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization. If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.