Preschool Teacher, Ridgewood

Preschool Teacher

New Yesterday

The Preschool Teacher provides direct supervision and guidance to children in a preschool classroom setting, implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities that support their growth and development. This role is responsible for creating a safe, engaging environment that encourages positive behavior and fosters meaningful connections among children, the other students, and families. The Ridgewood YMCA Preschool Program operates Monday – Friday, from September through June. Our Preschool Teacher will have additional responsibilities when preschool is not in session and must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed. This will include, and is not limited to, summer camp, enrichment, vacation camp, and other Ridgewood YMCA programs. Qualifications · Must be 18 years of age or older.

· High School Diploma or Equivalent

· Minimum one-year experience working with preschool age children in a licensed program, or an educational background in Early Childhood Education

· Previous experience with diverse populations is preferred; the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from all backgrounds.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Creative, fun, energetic, hardworking, sensitive, mature, able to supervise and relate well to children, parents and staff. Essential Functions · Provide direct care and supervision to children in the Preschool program, maintaining constant awareness and responding appropriately to emergencies or crisis situations.

· Assist the Head Teacher in implementing the curriculum and conducting developmental observations.

· Develop classroom centers that respond to children’s interests and are coordinated with the ongoing curriculum.

· Facilitate student assessments and work sampling.

· Work with parents to promote understanding the growth and development of their child. Effectively communicate with parents, verbally and in written form, throughout the school year.

· Encourage parent participation in special events, meetings, and in-class volunteer opportunities.

· Work as a supportive team member within the Ridgewood YMCA; and supervise Assistant Teachers.

· Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.

· Maintain accurate program documentation, including but not limited to incident/ accident/ behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign-in/ sign-out sheets, parent surveys, etc.

· Ensure that all Ridgewood YMCA, NJ Department of Education, and NJ Department of Health guidelines are followed.

· Actively participate in designated meetings, all training sessions, open houses and special events.

· Perform additional duties as assigned. Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies OUR CULTURE: At the Ridgewood Y, our mission and core values come to life through our culture. Guided by our four pillars—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—we live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. As a nonprofit charitable organization, we have been committed to serving youth, adults, and families across Northern New Jersey and the Camp Bernie area since 1902, as part of the worldwide YMCA movement. Through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we create meaningful connections that build spirit, mind, and body for all. Our team is dependable, hardworking, and always ready to roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and showing up for one another—because together, we are stronger. If you’re looking to make a difference and be part of a mission-driven team, the Ridgewood Y is the place for you! The Ridgewood YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We believe our strength lies in our diversity and are committed to being an inclusive organization. We welcome applicants from any and all walks of life.

BENEFITS:

· Complimentary membership to the Ridgewood Y for you and a discount family membership, which includes access to pools, fitness centers, and group fitness classes

· Discount on Y’s programming and events

· Retirement Savings & 403(b) Smart Account after eligibility requirements are met

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

· The physical demands outlined in this job description are crucial for successfully performing the essential functions of this role. These demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

· Ability to walk, run, stand, and sit for long periods of time.

· May be required to lift and/or carry items up to 50 lbs.

· Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

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Location:: Ridgewood

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