Description:

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team. We are currently seeking a dedicated and motivated Lead Teacher to join our team. The Waddler Lead Teacher provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. The teacher provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth within families. Requirements:

Essential Functions:

• Implement the Tools of the Mind curriculum within the established guidelines, including daily lesson/activity plans.
• Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Conducts parent conferences, and maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers.
• Share and discuss lesson plans with classroom team and supervise their performance as related to the curriculum and center philosophy.
• Mentor teacher assistants to enhance their professional growth.
• Maintain all records including attendance, accident reports, daily logs, parent sign in and out book, medical records and time sheets, in compliance with state, NAEYC, and the East Orange Board of Education regulations.
• Maintains classroom equipment, healthy and safe classroom environment for children
• Participate in Parents Advisory Committee Events and YMCA special events including Healthy Kids day, open houses and Annual Support Campaign events.
• Support and lead staff and parents in the Annual Support Campaign.
• Model and enforce appropriate and positive discipline techniques as established by the policies of the center.
• Participate in required trainings and workshops to enhance professional growth.
• Maintains required program records.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Works with Director to determine key goals to be accomplished annually.
• Supports branch- and association-wide goals, initiatives and activities, including the Annual Support Campaign.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
• Child Abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or equivalent.
• Must hold a valid NJ Certificate of Eligibility (CE) , CEAS, or P3 certification; P3 preferred.
• Knowledge of NAEYC requirements
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate
• program activities.
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in a group setting with preschool children preferred.
• Knowledge of birth to age 5 in development and curriculum, modern theories in early years’ education, and healthy living.
• Experience in staff supervision, curriculum implementation, classroom management and parental communication is essential.
• Experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid holidays, a legal plan, long-term disability, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities. Full-time employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.