The Sage YMCA is hiring a full-time Early Childhood Lead Teacher in Crystal Lake, IL.  

Our early learning teachers create a child-centered environment that promotes learning, character development, healthy living and positive, nurturing relationships. With a commitment to meeting accreditation standards and extensive training and development in research-based practices, you’ll also learn and grow and positively impact our children, families and communities.

Salary starts at $43,888 per year based on qualifications, DCFS Director Qualified preferred and opportunities to grow within the organization

The YMCA of Metro Chicago is hiring Early Childhood Lead Teachers. As an Early Childhood Lead Teacher, you will provide effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning, assessment, evaluation and related research for children ages 3 years to 5 years old. You will be responsible for providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, supervising children assigned in the classroom, and providing a supportive and positive classroom climate. You will ensure that we are meeting the individual needs of the children as mandated by DCFS, ExceleRate Illinois, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards, and YMCA standards and policies, as applicable.

 

Scope of Responsibilities:

Promote and model high quality teaching and learning in the classroom that fosters kindergarten readiness. Demonstrate culturally and linguistically appropriate practices that values all children and families and makes them feel welcomed and an essential part of the program Maintain awareness and supervision of children’s needs and ensure their physical health and safety, at all times. Communicate and develop effective partnerships with parents and families, encouraging parent involvement. Abide by DCFS and all quality standards for maintaining safe, high-quality programming Collaborate regularly with classroom team including families, volunteers and all staff. Collect and use multiple data sources, both formative and summative, to inform instruction and child centered learning and development. Complete routine professional development annually; utilize continuous quality improvement (CQI); and identify different instructional resources and methods to meet children's varying needs and improve the classroom experience for children and families. Participate and support association/center efforts towards recruitment, enrollment, attendance and retention of families while supporting the YMCA's mission and center operations as needed. Assists in the development of plans for ongoing growth and improved quality of services to children and families. Monitors and makes staffing adjustments, as necessary, to ensure that ratios are in compliance for the age groups served. Will respect the confidentiality of each child participating in the program. Monitors safety and cleanliness of program facility/areas and outdoor play areas. Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards (including the NAEYC Code of Ethics) when working with students, parents, personnel, and other agencies associated with the program. Assists in recruitment recommend for hire supervises, and coaches staff of varied levels of education and experience to ensure program quality and positive outcomes for children and families. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing for priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management:

Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children that represent the Illinois Early Learning Standards. Implement high quality, developmentally appropriate instructional activities and curriculum approaches (like Creative Curriculum™) that facilitate active learning experiences and promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child; while ensuring the program follows DCFS, YMCA, ExceleRate Illinois™, and NAEYC accreditation standards, if applicable. Research, plan, and implement appropriate studies/projects for an in-depth investigation of a topic over time. Establish and maintain an attractive, clean, safe and engaging classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques and that encourages children's independence and self-selection of activities. Leverage the physical environment and pedagogical documentation to support teaching and learning practices. Use observational and child data to plan developmentally appropriate and engaging early learning experiences based upon the emergent needs of the child. Documents observations and maintains child portfolios to aid in assessments.

Requirements:

Must meet DCFS licensing, and program related accreditation/credentialing requirements; ECE Credential Level 1 or higher preferred.
OR 64 semester hours in any discipline with a minimum of 21 hours of college credit in child development, early childhood education or early childhood special education AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential OR 3 semester hours of college credit in administration, leadership or management OR 3 points of credential-approved training in administration, leadership or management. Three years' experience teaching or equivalent in a preschool classroom strongly preferred. Must provide documentation of Gateways credentialing or apply within 90 days of employment. Knowledge of how to design and implement the Creative Curriculum and other high quality curriculum approaches preferred. Pre-Employment medical screening and TB test per program requirements. Required to be achieved or maintained once in role: Food Handlers Training

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor Completing all child abuse prevention training as required