To represent the YMCA personally, professionally and in a manner in accordance with the mission and goals of the YMCA. The Teacher, under the supervision of the Director of Early Education, provides safe, motivational and knowledgeable leadership to the members, volunteers, families and program participants. All Merrimack Valley YMCA staff will help champion a culture of service excellence and support and advocate the mission and values of the YMCA.

Branches: Andover/North Andover, Lawrence, Methuen

Status: Full time, Non-exempt

• Must be EEC Teacher qualified.
• Relevant college classes in the field of Early Childhood Education are preferred.
• Maintain current CPR certification and First Aid throughout employment.
• Must know, understand and display full knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in the field of Early Childhood Education.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be familiar with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Licensing Regulations.
• Must be familiar with Massachusetts Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Criteria and Standards.
• Must be familiar with the Merrimack Valley YMCA Child Care Quality Standards.
• Must possess and utilize excellent communication, customer service and organizational skills. Demonstrate prior ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have good human relations’ and communication skills to facilitate positive relationships with staff, volunteers, parents, members and program participants.
• Must be committed to the Merrimack Valley YMCA’s mission, character development and goals.

• Work closely with Lead Teacher to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Program responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting with supervision of children, assisting with lesson planning, daily attendance , assisting students with daily tooth brushing, assisting Lead Teacher with developing Teaching Strategies GOLD on line progress reports, daily written observation of children.
• Ensure and maintain quality of program and that it meets EEC Licensing Requirements, QRIS Standards and NAEYC Criteria and complies with all safety regulations.
• Maintain the overall cleanliness and appearance of the child care classroom.
• Keep safety as a first priority. Emphasize personal safety and emotional well being of all staff, volunteers, members, students, families and program participants using the YMCA classrooms and indoor/facility.
• By personal example help interpret quality of YMCA Character Values or Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Reports all accidents/unusual incidents immediately to the Director of Early Education with all necessary documentation.
• Accept and perform all other responsibilities necessary for the good of the organization.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible).

• Responsible for assisting Lead Teacher with daily classroom planning and instruction of Early Education Curriculum.
• Responsible for daily safety check of classroom setting and safety check of children as they enter school each day.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the classroom Lead Teacher.

• Able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Able to stand/move while working part or full time hours.
• Able to reach, bend, kneel and clean tables, chairs, classroom toys and other designated classroom equipment/ materials as assigned by supervisor.
• Able to react quickly and appropriately to the unpredictable actions of children.
• Able and willing to change diapers/pull ups in all age groups.
• Able and willing to help clean sick children and comfort them during their sickness.
• Must have the capability to promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical talents of each child.

• Able to perform in class instruction, as well as indoor and outdoor play instruction and engagement in large motor activities
• Use behavior management techniques that are developmentally appropriate.

• Maintain a professional manner at all times with children, parents and colleagues.
• Able to work and communicate clearly and effectively as part of a staff team both verbally and in writing.
• Must follow/practice all program policies and procedures during center’s operational hours.
• Maintain working knowledge of emergency procedures and EEC regulations.
• Understand responsibilities and reporting procedures as a Department of Children and Families mandated reporter.
• Arrange time off in advance with Director of Early Education.

• Remain flexible for job specific and general YMCA trainings and mandatory staff meetings.

• Ensure family satisfaction by daily in person communication as well as phone calls and written communication as necessary.

• Initiate and represent a high quality of service and connectedness with all members, participants, volunteers, child care families and potential members / child care families in the child care classrooms and throughout the YMCA.
• Be knowledgeable about various YMCA programs and events information.
• Be available to members, program participants and staff for questions, concerns, comments and follow up as needed.

• Provides leadership and support of Annual Campaign that result in achievement of our annual fund-raising goal.
• Actively promote membership within department. Encourage families to participate in a vast array of YMCA classes, programs and special events. Increase visibility and credibility of YMCA programs.

• Wear your staff shirt and name badge during work hours.
• Attend a minimum of twenty (20) training hours per year and update your skills as position demands.
• Attend mandatory monthly two hour staff meeting.
• Attend and help out at YMCA Branch events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Management.

• Growth and high retention of participants/ families who understand the YMCA Mission and Goals.
• High quality programming in the YMCA Early Childhood Program.
• Staff, volunteers, children and members will be developed through age appropriate activities and students will be prepared to attain their highest social, emotional and academic growth to prepare them to be successful in a public/ private school setting.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Executive Director of Child Care Cathy Redard at credard@mvymca.org.

The core values that guide the YMCA in fulfilling the mission and goals are: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility. We instill these values in all programs while making healthier lives achievable for everyone.