Montessori at the Y Lead Teacher in Waterloo, Iowa, US

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Family YMCA of Black Hawk County’s Montessori At The Y (MATY) is seeking a Lead Teacher who has a love for working with children, ages 3 to 5-years-old. You must be outgoing, motivated, compassionate, patient, creative, playful, dependable and trained in the Montessori method. Under the direction of the Youth Development Director and Assistant Director, the Lead Teacher is responsible for carrying out the day to day classroom operations. Lead teachers will be responsible for planning, leading program activities, conducting assessments with children through observation, snack and meal service, and communicating effectively with the children, their parents, YMCA personnel, and the center guests when needed. Teachers will also work cooperatively with the Director of Youth Development to provide day to day guidance and oversight to the Assistant Teachers.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. Our mission at the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality everyday. 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:
Understand and contribute to the YMCA staff and community culture.
Designs and implements dynamic age appropriate Montessori curriculum and lesson plans to meet the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of the children in your care.
Responsible for classroom management, organization, materials and day to day operations including state licensing requirements.
Train, coach and lead all assistant teachers in the Montessori methods in your classroom. Maintain communication with the Director and Assistant Director of Youth Development to provide additional training support to assistant staff.
Collaborate with the Director of Youth Development on assistant teacher’s progress during performance reviews.
Maintain a professional attitude by working cooperatively with other staff members, accepting supervision, and helping promote positive and harmonious communication in all aspects of center operation.
Assists in making ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
Communicate and partner with all parents and guardians to create the best plan for individual learning and growth.
Develop and maintain positive relationship with the children, families, staff, state licensing authorities and community partners
Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
Abide by all policies and procedures in place at the YMCA.
Support the mission of the YMCA and incorporate the YMCA character development values including Care, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in our daily routine while working with children, parents, and staff.
Perform all other duties assigned by the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A Montessori Early Childhood Certificate is required; or a Montessori Early Childhood Certificate is required to be obtained by a specified date to be determined at the time of hire.
A Bachelors or Associates Degree in a child development related field is preferred.
1 to 2 years of experience working in an early childhood center is required.
Vast understanding of child development, ages and stages
The candidate must successfully complete Mandatory Reporter, Blood Borne Pathogens, CPR/First Aid/AED Certification (at the YMCA) within the first 90 days of employment.
Complete other YMCA new employee orientation training within six months of hire.
Clear Criminal Background check.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of children and individuals from all social and economic segments
of the community.
Basic Computer Competencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  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 use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.  The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
The employee must be able to be on their feet, squat, bend, move quickly, run and play with children.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BlackHawkYMCA.org