POSITION SUMMARY:
The Preschool Teacher provides direct supervision and guidance to children in a preschool classroom setting, implementing age-appropriate curriculum and activities that support their growth and development. This role is responsible for creating a safe, engaging environment that encourages positive behavior and fosters meaningful connections among children, other students, and families. The Ridgewood YMCA Preschool Program operates Monday–Friday, from September through June. Our Preschool Teachers have additional responsibilities when preschool is not in session and should be available to work evenings and weekends as needed. This will include, and is not limited to, summer camp, enrichment, vacation camp, and other Ridgewood YMCA programs.

JOB FUNCTION:

• Provide direct care and supervision to children in the Preschool program, maintaining constant awareness and responding appropriately to emergencies or crisis situations.
• Assist the Head Teacher in implementing the curriculum and conducting developmental observations.
• 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 to promote understanding the growth and development of their child. Effectively communicate with parents, verbally and in written form, throughout the school year.
• Encourage parent participation in special events, meetings, and in-class volunteer opportunities.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Ridgewood YMCA, and supervise Assistant Teachers.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.
• Maintain accurate program documentation; including by not limited to incident/ accident/ behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign-in/ sign-out sheets, parent surveys, etc.
• Ensure that all Ridgewood YMCA, NJ Department of Education, and NJ Department of Health guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, all training sessions, open houses and special events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• CDA, Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or current enrollment in an education degree program preferred.
• High School Diploma required.
• Minimum one year of experience working with preschool-age children in a licensed program, or an educational background in Early Childhood Education
• Previous experience with diverse populations is preferred; the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from all backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative, fun, energetic, hardworking, sensitive, mature, able to supervise and relate well to children, parents and staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands outlined in this job description are crucial for successfully performing the essential functions of this role. These demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
• Ability to walk, run, stand, and sit for long periods of time.
• May be required to lift and/or carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.