The Certified Teacher is responsible for the day-to-day academic programming, instruction, and direct supervision of children in a licensed childcare facility. This includes implementing curriculum, tracking participant progress, and ensuring a safe, clean environment in accordance with state and YMCA policies.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher and a valid Florida Teaching Certificate. Additionally, 1 to 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare or educational institution is required.
Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Certified Teacher is responsible for overall day-to-day group academic programming, discipline, direct supervision and management of an assigned group of children in a licensed childcare/day camp facility as assigned by the Program Director.
Essential Functions / Job Duties
The Certified Teacher has overall responsibility for the academic instruction and program enrichment including the delivery of program curriculum and homework assistance. This could include day-to-day group programming, discipline, direct supervision and management of 10-20 children in the after-school program.
Review, implement, and lead academic and project-learning instructions/ activities aligned with the contract scope of work, as indicated by the grant-funding agency.
Plan, supervise and implement activities for assigned group of children in accordance to both age and developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by licensing agency, State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida mission and YMCA Child Care Personnel Policies by submitting outcome data and curricula / lesson plans to the Lead Teacher/ Curriculum Specialist and/or Program Director in a timely and neat manner.
Conduct and maintain any necessary measurable tools to track participant progress.
Follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of children.
Preserve the quality of supplies, equipment and materials. Ensuring supplies remain appropriately stocked by reporting re-order needs to the Site Supervisor and Lead Teacher/ Curriculum Specialist.
Provide regular inspections of areas used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety.
Maintain close coordination with facility personnel for safety and benefit of children in the program.
Document behavior issues and/or incidents daily, as needed.
Report notable health issues of each child daily noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor. Report all incidents and accidents immediately to Site Supervisor.
Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements, which mandate by law all childcare personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The YMCA requires employees to follow the internal reporting procedures with the assistance of the Program Directors.
Ensure that the proper staffs to child ratios are maintained at all times and reports discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.
Time Management
Works 90% of schedule on the desk / Hands-on role
50% - Focused on executing Association protocols and performance metrics; team performance; reduction in cancellations
YMCA COMPETENCIES (i.e. Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team / Branch Leader)
Mission
Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels.
Collaboration
Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational
Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities / Position Requirements
Education and
Experience:
A Bachelor’s Degree or higher and possess a valid Florida Teaching Certificate.
One (1) year to Three (3) year experience in a licensed child care/day camp facility or educational institution, which includes direct contact with children.
Ability to relate to people; understand and practice YMCA Character Development values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
The Certified Teacher of the after school program facility must be at least twenty-one (21) years-old at the time of hire.
Certificates and
Licenses:
State of Florida Teacher Certification.
It is the responsibility of the Certified Teacher to complete and maintain all necessary certifications, within the proper time frame, as set forth by either the licensing agency, State of Florida or the YMCA of South Florida.
Position Profile
Outgoing personality enjoys speaking to people.
Innate desire to provide excellent customer service.
Flexible and accommodating.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essentials functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
Indoor and outdoor facilities (e.g. childcare and recreational sites); exposure to heat, cold, work on slippery or uneven surfaces.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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 use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment. The employee must occasionally lift, push, pull, 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 above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff member. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprint background screening.
As a Drug-Free Employer, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards are not accepted and do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.
The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.
In accordance with House Bill 531 (2025) the Department of Children and Families require employers to make the “Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness” website link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com [https://info.flclearinghouse.com] available to all potential candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse.
In Florida, support roles in this category often draw steady interest because schools and care settings need reliable staff who can meet basic eligibility and safety requirements. Competition can hinge on experience with children, physical readiness, and flexibility, so review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time before applying. A practical next step is to confirm your medical clearance and highlight any one-year child-care experience, since those details can strengthen your application.
