Head Teacher

Job Title: Head Teacher (ECI)

Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Center Director

Leadership Level: Leader

YMCA of East Bay is seeking Preschool Teachers as well as Infant/ Toddler Teachers

POSITION SUMMARY: These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. Head Teachers are responsible for providing high quality care and education that meets the needs of children and families in a setting that is inclusive for children of all abilities. Head Teachers implement services that are aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, rules and regulations determined by the California Department of Education, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Community Care Licensing. Head Teachers facilitate developmentally appropriate classroom/outdoor activities and environments using the Creative Curriculum and observe and assess children and use assessment data to ensure that curriculum is individualized to meet the needs of individuals and groups. Head Teachers partner with families to ensure that children are provided with an education that results in growth and positive learning outcomes. Head Teachers are leaders who ensure that the teaching team works together to provide the highest quality of services possible. Head Teachers mentor other teaching staff and assume the responsibility for daily operations of the center when the Center Director is off-site.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop written curriculum goals in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, Project-Based Curriculum, The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and the California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.

2. Plan and facilitate learning activities that meet curriculum goals for individuals and groups of children, while providing direction, guidance, and visual supervision.

3. Supervise and monitor children at all times.

4. Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.

5. Document the progress of each child in the online system using observation notes, picture and anecdotal notes, work samples, documentation panels, screenings, and assessments.

6. Conduct two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences for each child annually.

7. Create and maintain stimulating, organized, and inviting learning environments in the classroom and outdoor play areas that are reflective of the cultural diversity in the classrooms and in the surrounding community.

8. Develop relationships with families that foster effective partnerships and promote each child’s optimum growth and development.

9. Have knowledge of and carry out all Health and Safety requirements according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.

10. Conduct a daily health check for each child and adhere to treatment/intervention plans and medication administration for children with special health needs.

11. Monitor classroom materials, equipment and indoor/outdoor facilities daily to ensure safety, performing and/or requesting maintenance as required.

12. Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.

13. Instruct and monitor children in proper health and hygiene skills, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.

14. Monitor classroom attendance sheets daily for proper parent sign-in and sign-out.

15. Conduct and log monthly earthquake/fire drills.

16. Participate in meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth and maintenance of current permit. Head Teachers may be required to attend coursework to attain a BA degree.

17. Maintain updated and organized files on all children and ensure that all required paperwork including observations, screenings, and assessments is completed within set deadlines.

18. Ensure that teaching team completes classroom paperwork requirements in a timely manner.

19. Ensure accurate online documentation of Daily Meal Counts for the Child Care Food Program.

20. Attend and participate in Center Staff Meetings. Attend Parent Center Meetings when possible or submit written Education report to Center Director when unable to attend.

21. Create effective, appropriate, and professional relationships with families and maintain ongoing communication with family members through conversations, daily notes, home visits, and parent/teacher conferences. Document family communication through case noting.

22. Facilitate weekly team meetings with classroom team.

23. In partnership with the Center Director and other team members, mentor and guide classroom teaching team in best classroom practices.

24. Assume duties of the Center Director in his/her absence, including managing visits from CCL.

25. Perform other duties as assigned.

MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS: This position has a primary impact on the operations of the ECI Program. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1. The knowledge and implementation of relevant/required program procedures.

2. The sound administration of systems and records that are up-to-date and accurate.

3. A healthy and safe workplace and school environment.

4. Positive outcomes for children and families that are aligned with program goals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

· The employee must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

· The employee is required to work outdoors daily.

· Mobility to quickly respond to emergencies

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

· Developing Self and Others

· Critical Thinking and Decision Making

· Inclusion

· Communication and Influence

· Emotional Maturity

QUALIFICATIONS:

· AA degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field with appropriate ECE coursework. (NOTE: Successful progress toward completion of BA Degree will be required to maintain position)

· Child Development permit at the Site Supervisor level

· Successful completion of 6 semester units of administration/supervision in Early Childhood Programs with grade C or above

· For work with infant/toddlers, completion of 3 units of infant/toddler development with grade C

· Three years of experience as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood Programs, prefer experience in state subsidized or Early/Head Start setting

· Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds · Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance

· Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 15 hours of preventative health and safety training, or completion of this training within 90 work days of hire

· LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance

· Must be able to communicate in English with proficiency, bilingual or multi-lingual preferred

· Ability to work under stress in high pressure situations and make sound decisions

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.50 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
The YMCA of the East Bay is a fully vaccinated team, with legal exemptions provided for. You needn't be vaccinated to apply, but will need to be vaccinated, or apply for legal exemption before work begins.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Berkeley, CA 94710: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Site Supervisor Permit (Required)

Work Location: One location