rockland Work Opportunities ∙ Page 3

Description

Join Our Team as a Long-Term Substitute Pre-School Teacher!

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a positive impact in your community? The Penobscot Bay YMCA is looking for a dedicated Long-Term Substitute Pre-School Teacher to cover a medical leave and bring joy to our public Pre-K program!

At the YMCA, we’re more than just a workplace; we’re a community dedicated to strengthening youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility. As a Pre-School Teacher, you will create a supportive and engaging environment that respects and welcomes every child and family. You’ll implement our exciting Pre K for ME curriculum, using play-based learning to enhance social-emotional, language, literacy, and math skills through hands-on activities and creative exploration.  

What You’ll Do:

• Supervise and inspire children in a vibrant classroom setting.
• Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate lessons based on our research-backed, Pre-K for ME curriculum.
• Foster meaningful connections with youth and their families, promoting a sense of belonging.
• Tailor learning goals to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring their individual progress.
• Collaborate with a passionate team, attending staff meetings and training to enhance your skills.

What We’re Looking For

• A love for working with children and the ability to create a nurturing atmosphere.
• At least 21 years of age and a High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in early childhood education or a related field is preferred.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications (training provided).
• A commitment to child safety and a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Benefits – PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, vision insurance, life & disability coverage
• Retirement Program – 10% match from the YMCA if you continue on with us for two years (we hope you will!)
• Family Membership Perks – Enjoy a free annual YMCA membership ($972 value!)
• A Role That Makes a Difference –  The PenBay Y is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive. YOU are a vital part of that vision.

Requirements

 Essential Functions

• Supervise the children, the classroom, and all program activities.
• Implement the Public Pre-K curriculum and facilitate daily, age-appropriate, educational lessons.
• Maintain the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Adhere to all YMCA policies and procedures; DHHS licensing regulations, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Create a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
• Provide opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program.
• Provide daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child; create learning goals, tailored to individual progress and needs.
• Provide and welcome ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; conduct parent/caregiver conferences; connect families to the Y.
• Participate in basic housekeeping and custodial duties during classroom time.
• Attend and participate in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred: Degree or certification in Early Childhood education or related field OR six months experience.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required (training will be provided)
• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. 
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

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.

• Lifting up to 40 pounds multiple times each day.
• Frequent twisting, bending, and kneeling.
• Exposure to the outdoor environment during all seasons.
• With reasonable accommodations, be able to see and hear well enough to respond to classroom needs.
• Must be able to manage and de-escalate unsafe behavior if necessary.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities.