Master Teacher

Scope of Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that fosters academic readiness.
• Build a safe, orderly, and inclusive classroom environment in which children are encouraged to participate as individuals as well as members of the classroom community.
• Exhibit enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators, and the community.
• Introduce and follow a consistent daily schedule which includes a balance of teacher and child-directed activities, choice time, small and large group, content physical and outdoor activities, effective transitions, meals, and rest period.
• Emphasize aspects of math, literacy, and cultural diversity in all aspects of the program.
• Demonstrate competency and respect for families’ social-cultural background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic family values and beliefs into the classroom and lesson plans.
• Incorporate rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) that will support children’s academic, intellectual, and linguistic development.
• Promote and reinforce family engagement in all aspects of the program and awareness through a variety of methods and ensure parents receive adequate information about their child’s experiences through regular contacts, and scheduled home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Utilize fidelity measures to support the implementation of English Language Learner programs, and to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
• Develop a professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom, establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities; and to share and exchange information/ideas.
• Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
• Provides functional training and guidance to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers assigned to the classroom.
• Maintain regular job attendance, professionalism in attire and demeanor, observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices.
• Accept and perform other duties or responsibilities assigned.
• Participate in ongoing development and evaluation of the center’s goals and objectives.
• Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Support the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed.

• Lesson Planning and Classroom Management
• Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom and ensures the health and physical safety of children, at all times
• Lead responsibility to plan and implement appropriate daily lesson plans, based upon the approved curriculum, that promotes cultural sensitivity and the cognitive, language, social/emotional, and physical development of children
• Create daily opportunities that introduce math and literacy concepts using a variety of approaches
• Prepare classroom environment and materials to support curriculum and learning experiences
• Individualize and adjust activities, instructional methods, and environment to meet the children’s varying strengths, needs, interests, and abilities
• Guide and facilitate lesson plans which reflect mandated elements that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, and parents involvement
• Implement studies/projects for an in-depth investigation of a topic over time, and arrange for special guests and field trips to enhance children’s learning experiences
• Convene team planning/meeting to plan, discuss strategies, review children’s data, meetings and provide guidance and support to classroom team in implementing the curriculum with fidelity
• Provide opportunities for parent participation in classroom activities and parent/child activities at home
• Complete quarterly inventory of classroom to identify and prioritize equipment and supplies needed, and coordinate with site director in making purchases
• Organize and label materials, arrange and change furnishings to maintain and encourage new learning; and appropriately display children’s work and their families

• Assist in Evaluations, Assessments, and Reports
• Administer and accurately document ongoing development using the identified screening and assessment tools, at established intervals; and provide guidance and assistance to parents with completion of parents questionnaires
• Observe children daily to determine and support social/emotional, cognitive, perceptual, physical, language, mathematics, and scientific reasoning skills, interests, and needs; and use this information to inform planning and facilitate learning
• Complete observation and quarterly assessment of children, according to the methods of Teaching Strategies GOLD
• Enter data for children into the appropriate information systems, according to set guidelines and timeframes
• Attend internal staffing with FSW and participate in any additional staffing on children suspected or identified with special needs, and assist with the completion of referrals for further evaluation
• Maintain an ongoing comprehensive portfolio for each child, including works samples and quarterly developmental assessment
• Input classroom data weekly into appropriate information systems
• Perform recordkeeping responsibilities for children and the classroom function
• Generate and complete reports, using them to inform planning and information sharing with others

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and PEL certification or signed contingency to obtain; bilingual or ESL Endorsement may be desired based on program needs
• 1-3 years of experience in preschool/pre-kindergarten required and knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum design and teaching and instruction
• Effective organizational, planning, and group management skills with children
• Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to tailor communication to different audiences
• Ability to build rapport and respect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the population served
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
• Travel in Chicago area communities for Family Home Visits and training
• Maintain accurate and complete records and documentation as needed
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, email and the ability to learn and adapt to new technology
• Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Leader competencies in previous experience or practice
• Willing and able to work flexible hours to accommodate program needs
• Meet required physical qualifications and annual requirements, as outlined in the job description
• The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
• This position is a union position

• 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

Lead Pre Kindergarten Daycare Teacher