Program Name:
Heritage Park YMCA

Program Address:
333 Roosevelt Ave
Pawtucket
RI
02860

______________________

Position Description:
Job post summary
Date posted: August 6, 2025

Job description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Director and or Ed Coordinator the Lead Teacher shall have the responsibilities for the overall operation of the assigned classroom. The Lead Teacher ensures that the classroom maintains the standards of instruction that follow the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Establish a warm and professional rapport with all children and families in the classroom.
Maintain healthy and safety standards in the classroom
Comply with all RI State PK Performance Standards
Complete all assessments, screening and documentation required for the program in Teaching Strategies Gold Online using timeline given at the beginning of the school year
Develop integrated, developmentally appropriate, standards-based curriculum for children designed to promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth through the use of the RIELDs, the Boston Public School Curriculum and Curriculum Expectations given by Ed Coordinator at the beginning of the year
Maintain accurate daily attendance, daily activities and meal tracking using ProCare (CACFP)
Ensure cleanliness of the classroom including counter tops, sinks and tables
Greet families and children as they enter or exit the classroom and or building
Ensure the Teacher Assistant understands the plan for the day and can be supportive to the needs of the children
Support social and emotional development and positive guidance in the classroom using Conscious Discipline strategies
Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the age of the children using the ECERS-3 tool as a guide
Observe and document the individual progress of each child through authentic assessment practices for the dual purpose of informing classroom instruction and curriculum and communicate children’s’ progress with families through TSG assessment tools and conferences (Family Conference Forms need to be approved before sending
Ensure lesson plans/newsletters are submitted to Ed Coordinator based on the schedule given out at the beginning of each school year
Ensure appropriate active supervision of children at all times of the day (especially in the bathroom, playground and transitions) using documentation tools given by Supervisor
Be familiar with DHS licensing regulations, and Family Handbook
Develop a yearly Professional Development Plan that is aligned to the RI Workforce Knowledge Competencies, which will include 20 hour of training in a related field.
Participate in all staff trainings and parent/staff meetings and other mandatory or required meetings during the year for both RIPK and Heritage Park.
Complete the duties or provide coverage as assigned by the Ed Coordinator/Director of the program
Classroom observations will be conducted throughout the year. Classroom improvement plan goals will be established in October and work on throughout the year.
EXPECTATIONS:

Participate and attend 4 Family Engagement Activities, actively plan one of the 4 Family Engagement Nights run by the center. In addition, attend the September Family Advisory Meeting and one additional meeting during the school year. Schedule will be provided in August of each year.
Lead Teachers are expected to be present during the 180 days the children are present in the classroom unless sick. The vacation time is determined by the school calendar and will be provided to staff by June 30th for the following school year.
Any personal appointments that require teachers to be out of the classroom when children are present (6 hour day) must be submitted into Checkwriters and as sick time for approval. All personal appointments during the workday that require time off must be accompanied with documentation.
Lead Teachers are expected to work remotely on Heritage Park building cancelation days. Expectations will be given and monitored by Education Coordinator prior to closing.
Lead Teachers are expected to work 40 hours in the building based on an agreed upon schedule provided each year. Teacher start time is 7:30am or later based on individual class schedule. Lead Teachers must arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to class start time. Any changes that occur to your schedule must be communicated to supervisor in advance.

Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS

The Lead Teacher shall have an Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college. RI PK-2 Teaching Certification preferred.
Must be at least 21 years of age
Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire
Obtain or begin the requirements to obtain the RIELDS certificate within 3 months of hire
Meet all DHS and YMCA Employment qualifications
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successful perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency

How To Apply:
Email Resume to:
tfoster@ymcapawt.org
or
lmccoy@ymcapawt.org

Other Information:
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Where Do Applicants Need to Apply?
Send resume to tfoster@ymcapawt.org