Early Childhood Teacher

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Youth Development
Early Childhood Teacher will be directly responsible for organizing and implementing preschool age childcare programs. You will provide leadership and direct supervision to staff and groups of children
during the school year in Before & After Programs, School Out Days, and Break Camps as well as during Summer Day Camp. You will oversee administrative and program details while having the opportunity to create positive and nurturing relationships with children. You will also be a role model in building cooperative relationships with the parents/caregivers. As the Early Childhood Teacher you will promote and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall participant experience.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

• Assists with daily operations of the YMCA program.
• Create a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
• Implement curriculum in a way that is consistent with the unique needs of each child and is age-appropriate. Collaborate with other peers to enhance curriculum.
• Display passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children and employees
• Lead by example, displaying passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children and employees
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Model and teach positive behavior, empathy, and social skills while using positive discipline and guidance strategies.
• Ensure that the physical center environment adheres to health and safety standard operating procedures, maintaining full compliance with local and state licensing regulations.
• Ensures that the program area is well-maintained through collaboration with the facility staff.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child’s progress and any concerns. Build positive relationships and provide regular updates regarding daily interactions.
• Assists with management of parent and/or family issues in collaboration with supervisors, if necessary
• Cultivate positive relationships with families, teachers, state licensing authorities, community contacts, and corporate partners
• Maintain timely and professional communication and kind relationships with peers, supervisors, & staff.
• May be required to work hours outside of normal work schedule for training, extended program hours, parent nights, or association events.

An early childhood teacher, assigned responsibility for a single group of children and working under the supervision of a director, must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and meet at least
one (1) of the following qualifications:

• A. Bachelor's, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in one (1) of the following areas:
  • i. Child Development
  • ii. Child Psychology
  • iii. Early Childhood Education
  • iv. Early Childhood Special Education
  • v. Educational Leadership and Administration
  • vi. Elementary Education
  • vii. Family and Human Development
  • viii. Family Studies
  • ix. Special Education
• B. Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in any area other than those listed at rule section 2.216(A)(1)(a), a, and an additional two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses in early child education, with one (1) course as the following:
  • i. Introduction to Early Childhood Professions
  • ii. Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion
• C. An Associate’s degree (60 semester credit hours) from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or child development, which must include at least two (2), three (3)-semester credit hour courses in either:
  • i. Introduction to Early Childhood Professions
  • ii. Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion
• D. A current professional teaching license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an endorsement in the area of elementary education, early childhood education, early childhood special education, or early childhood special education specialist
• E. A current early childhood professional credential level II or higher in version 3.0 as determined by the Department.
• F. A current certification as a child development associate (CDA) in: center-based, preschool; center-based, infant-toddler; or family child care; or other Department-approved credential;
• G. Completion of a course of training approved by the Department and published on the Department’s approval list; and nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual
• H. Three (3) months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual; and the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, with one (1) course as:
  • i. Introduction to Early Childhood Professions
  • ii. Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion
  • iii. Twenty-one (21) months (3,185 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual. Satisfactory experience includes being a licensee of a Colorado family child care home, a teacher’s aide or teacher in a child care center, preschool, or elementary school. In addition, the individual must either:
    • 1. Possess a current early childhood professional credential level I or higher in version 3.0 as determined by the Department
    • 2. Complete two (2) three (3) semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university in early childhood education with one (1) course as either:
      • a. Introduction to early childhood professions or has been issued the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
      • b. Early childhood guidance strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion.
      • c. All course grades used for the early childhood teacher requirements must be a “C” or better

• Free Family Membership 
• Program discounts
• Generous retirement benefits - 12% after eligibility is met
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Sick Time

OUR YMCA 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.