UPK (4 Yrs.) Head Teacher (West Side YMCA)

Description:

Salary: $62,400 Annually

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all. 

The West Side YMCA is seeking a UPK Head Teacher for a 4-year-old classroom. The UPK (4yrs.) Head Teacher will plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the preschool 4 students. They will work within the framework of the Center’s program to carry out its functions, policies, and procedures, including, but not limited to, student assessments, work sampling, individualized plans, and parent/family engagement. The UPK (4yrs.) Head Teacher will supervise, coach, and support Assistant Teachers and Activity Specialists as appropriate. 

The Early Childhood Program operates Monday – Friday, from September 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Plan developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and activities.
• Implement lessons and activities, including, but not limited to, literacy, arts, math, cooking, science, outdoor/indoor recreation, field trips, etc.
• 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/guardians to promote understanding of the growth and development of their child. Effectively communicate with parents/guardians, verbally and in written form, throughout the school year.
• Encourage parent/guardian participation in special events, meetings, and in-class volunteer opportunities.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Early Childhood Learning Center and the YMCA Branch and supervise Assistant Teachers, Early Childhood Specialists, and Volunteers.
• 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, development/growth forms, documentation of eating and sleeping, parent surveys, etc.
• Ensure that all YMCA of Greater New York, Department of Health, and Department of Education (if applicable) guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, all training sessions, and special events. 

Desired Skills & Experience:

• LEVEL I: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood AND Teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades as set forth by New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This includes Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2); (n-6); or (Pre-K-6) certification OR Teaching license or certificate for Children with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2).
• LEVEL II: Master’s degree in Early Childhood AND Teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades as set forth by New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This includes Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2); (n-6); or (Pre-K-6) certification OR Teaching license or certificate for Children with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2). 
• Three (3) years of experience working with early childhood-aged children in a group setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable with working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits:
The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:
If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.