Lead Infant Teacher

Job Overview

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Dubuque Community YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, empowering women and eliminating racism. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Prepares lesson plans that meet the needs of students.
2. Supervises and actively participates in play activities with the children.
3. Familiar with child management techniques and is able to use them to encourage appropriate behaviors.
4. Communicates discipline challenges to the Director and Classroom Group Leader, and works to develop a behavior management technique that includes redirection and conflict management.
5. Assists with breakfast, snack and lunch preparation, serving, and cleaning up.
6. Be familiar with and adhere to DHS regulations.
7. Presents self in a professional manner; dresses appropriately- follows dress code
8. Attends staff meetings and any additional education required by DHS or the Department of Education, or assigned by Director
9. Will act as a Leader in their assigned classroom, will give direction, guidance, training, and constructive feedback to all Group Leaders in the classroom
10. May be designated as the onsite supervisor in the absence of the Supervisor, or at the beginning/end of the day. Duties would then include: supervising children until they depart, straightening the classroom, and putting away materials, toys, and games.
11. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age, have some direct childcare experience and basic knowledge of children and child development
• Must receive a negative Criminal Records Check Report
• Must provide a physical report with a negative TB test
  
• Must have an active Childcare Development Associate Credential or Paraprofessional Credential or willingness to complete coursework for credential within a year of employment
  
• Must either be certified or can be certified in CPR/First Aid, Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens. Training in Mandatory Child Abuse provided.
• Demonstrates dependability and a positive attitude
• Respects the confidentiality of childcare matters
• Demonstrates good communication skills with children, parents and other staff
• Completes required DHS licensing continuing education annually
• Must work well with others and be willing to accept responsibilities and directions from supervisor
• Projects a positive attitude about the Y child care programs, as the site of choice, for the community
• Promotes the Y mission and core values in their behavior and in the development of children’s programs
• Participates and assists with other Y programs. Becomes involved in Y volunteer opportunities