Lead Teacher - YWCA Charleston

• The Lead Teacher works closely with their peers under the direction of the Program and Assistant Directors.
• The Lead will direct activities in a childcare room and assist in developing programs and activities appropriate for the learning and social needs of each child, taking into account the particular strengths and weaknesses that each child may possess.

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• One (1) year of relevant work experience.
• Possess a WV Training Certification/ACDS.

• Knowledge and ability to meet the requirements of the State child care licensing standards
• Visual acuity to permit routine assessment of children, observation of child and staff conduct, and to allow development and use of materials, to create a “print rich” environment that includes daily age-appropriate reading and literature activities
• Auditory acuity is sufficient to monitor classroom activity and to engage in meaningful communication with children, parents, and staff
• Expressive communication skills to enable clear guidance to children and staff during routine and emergent situations
• Must meet health requirements established by state licensing standards
• Must pass a criminal background check.

• Develop and carry out a curriculum emphasizing age-appropriate activities to help children learn and develop
• Develop a schedule and structure in the room that promotes positive interactions with children, guides and directs their behavior, and reduces or eliminates the need for reactive behavior intervention
• Provide behavior intervention, as needed, without recourse to physical or emotional punishment
• Provide guidance and supervision to assistant teachers, teacher aides, interns, and volunteers to assure that they know when and how to seek appropriate direction or assistance for routine or non-routine/emergency situations
• Develop positive relationships with parents and encourage them to be involved in their child’s care
• Be able to explain all center policies to current and potential parents
• Conduct two (2) parent conferences per year
• Complete assessments on children as determined by the schedule
• Monitor classroom configuration, staff practices, and children’s behavior to assure that State childcare licensing standards are met at all times, including standards related to health and safety
• Train new staff to comply with policies and procedures of the individual classroom and general childcare practices
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as assigned
• Maintain an organized and clean environment including classroom cleaning
• Supervise administrative activities in the room, including, but not limited to:
  • Assisting parents with signing each child in and insuring that it is done correctly
  • Keeping information sheets current and in good order, and assuring that all staff know where information sheets are stored
  • Informing staff members of new policies and seeing that they are carried out
  • Maintaining first aid kits and updating them as needed
  • Dispensing medication as directed by the parents and/or the child’s physician, and making sure that medication request forms are completed correctly
  • Maintaining appropriate records for each child
  • Ensuring that the room, toys, and equipment are kept clean and in good order
  • Inspecting equipment regularly for safety purposes and making requests for repairs to equipment in a timely manner
  • Making sure that health and safety routines are carried out at all times
• Provide required documentation to the Center within 30 days of employment to satisfy the STARS career pathway
• Other duties as assigned

• You are passionate about children's futures!
• You want to have the ability to make an impact on a child's life and empower them to live a fun, warm, enriching experience where they feel confident to connect with friends and feel supported every day!
• You are looking for a workplace where you know you have the chance to make a difference as a valued team member!

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals annually.Equal opportunity is given to all applicants.The YWCA was built upon our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We can continue to be successful when people are treated fairly and allowed to grow and achieve their potential. We take pride in treating people equally, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, blindness, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.