Preschool Teacher @ the Y - Oakland

Position Summary

Our Preschool Teachers create warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where all children can grow. Working in alignment with YMCA of the East Bay goals and required federal and state regulations—including Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education guidelines, CACFP requirements, and Community Care Licensing—Teachers support children’s learning through the Creative Curriculum. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities, observing and assessing children, and using assessment data to individualize instruction. Teachers also partner with families to support positive learning experiences and promote each child’s developmental progress.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full-time employees are eligible for heavily subsidized coverage with several plan options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent. (NOTE Head Start=AA degree or above required, Early Head Start=AA degree or above preferred)
• Current Child Development permit at the Associate Teacher level or above
• Successful completion of 12 or more semester units in Early Childhood Education, for Early Head Start, completion of 6 units of infant/toddler development with grade C or above
• Must be able to communicate in English with proficiency, bilingual or multi-lingual preferred
• 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood Programs, prefer experience in state subsidized or Early/Head Start setting
• Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance
• Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 15 hours of preventative health and safety training or completion of this training within 90 days of hire
• LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure in high stress situations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs

Specific Essential Function from the Job Description for this role

• Develop and implement written curriculum goals in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, Project-Based Curriculum, The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.

• Plan and facilitate learning activities that meet curriculum goals for individuals and groups of children, while providing direction, guidance, and visual supervision.

• Supervise and monitor children at all times.

• Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.

• Document the progress of each child in the designated online system using observation notes, picture and anecdotal notes, work samples, documentation panels, screenings, and assessments.

• Conduct two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences for each child annually.

• Create and maintain stimulating, organized, and inviting learning environments in the classroom and outdoor play areas that are reflective of the cultural diversity in the classroom and the surrounding community.

• Develop relationships with families that foster effective partnerships and promote each child’s optimum growth and development.

• Have knowledge of and carry out all Health and Safety requirements according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.

• Conduct a daily health check for each child and adhere to treatment/intervention plans and medication administration for children with special health needs.

• Ensure accurate documentation on Infant/Toddler daily records, if applicable.

• Monitor classroom materials and equipment and outdoor facilities daily to ensure safety, performing and/or requesting maintenance as required.

• Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.

• Instruct and monitor children in proper health and hygiene skills, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.

• Monitor classroom attendance sheets daily for proper parent sign-in and sign-out.

• Conduct and log monthly earthquake/fire drills.

• Participate in meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth and maintenance of current permit. Teachers may be required to attend classes to attain AA or BA degrees.

• Maintain updated and organized files on all children and ensure that all required paperwork including observations, screenings, and assessments is completed within set deadlines.

• Ensure accurate documentation in the online system of Attendance and Daily Meal Counts for the Child Care Food Program.

• Create effective and professional relationships with families and children, maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality and initiate ongoing communication with family members through conversations, daily notes, home visits, and parent/teacher conferences.

• Attend and participate in Center Staff Meetings. Contribute to Parent Center Meetings or special events, and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• 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 sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must lift 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 employee is required to work outdoors daily.
• Mobility to quickly respond to emergencies