Preschool Teacher @ Y - Oakland

Position Summary

Our Preschool Teachers create warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where all children can grow. Working in alignment with YMCA of the East Bay goals and required federal and state regulations—including Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education guidelines, CACFP requirements, and Community Care Licensing—Teachers support children’s learning through the Creative Curriculum. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities, observing and assessing children, and using assessment data to individualize instruction.

Teachers also partner with families to support positive learning experiences and promote each child’s developmental progress.

• Plan engaging activities and observe and assess children, using assessment data to individualize instruction.
• Partner with families to support positive learning experiences and promote each child’s developmental progress.
• Develop and implement written curriculum goals in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, Project-Based Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.
• Plan and facilitate learning activities for individuals and groups, providing direction, guidance, and supervision as needed.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times; interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.
• Document the progress of each child in the designated online system using observation notes, work samples, documentation panels, screenings, and assessments.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences for each child annually.
• Maintain stimulating, organized, and inviting learning environments in the classroom and outdoor play areas that reflect cultural diversity.
• Develop relationships with families to foster effective partnerships and promote each child’s growth.
• Adhere to all Health and Safety requirements according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.
• Conduct daily health checks and manage treatment/intervention plans and medication administration for children with special health needs.
• Ensure accurate documentation in the online system of Attendance and Daily Meal Counts for the Child Care Food Program, and complete required paperwork including observations, screenings, and assessments within deadlines.
• Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment; teach health and hygiene skills such as toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.
• Monitor classroom attendance sheets and conduct monthly earthquake/fire drills; participate in meetings and trainings for professional growth.
• Maintain updated files on all children and comply with required documentation; support ongoing communication with families through conversations, daily notes, home visits, and parent/teacher conferences.
• Attend and participate in Center Staff Meetings and contribute to Parent Center Meetings or special events; perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
  
  Note:
  
  Head Start requires AA degree or above;
  Early Head Start preferred.
• Current Child Development permit at the Associate Teacher level or above.
• Successful completion of 12+ semester units in Early Childhood Education for Early Head Start; 6 units of infant/toddler development with grade C or above.
• English proficiency; bilingual or multilingual preferred.
• 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood Programs; experience in state-subsidized or Early/Head Start settings preferred.
• Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance; current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificates with 15 hours of health and safety training (or completed within 90 days of hire).
• Live Scan fingerprint and criminal record clearance.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; ability to work under pressure in high-stress situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other computer programs.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Regularly sit, use hands, talk or hear; may stand, walk, reach, and kneel or crouch as required.
• Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Work outdoors daily and have mobility to respond to emergencies.