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ELP – Early Learning Professional

Works within a teaching team to support the care and development of young children ages 6 weeks-12 years in a structured early learning environment.

Department: Improving Lives of Children
Supervisor: Supervisory Coach or Assistant Director, as assigned
Compensation: $16
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Employee Classification:  Level 2
Hours of Work: Varies based on programming.  Some programming available Monday-Sunday on a 24-hour basis.

Kalamazoo 49007

Brief Description

Early Learning Professionals work within a teaching team to support the care and development of young children ages 6 weeks-12 years in a structured early learning environment.

Job Responsibilities

  1. Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the trauma-responsive and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) childcare strategies required of all program personnel.
  2. Assists children in all daily activities including, but not limited to, instruction, play, rest, toileting, personal hygiene, dressing and eating.
  3. Organizes and implements age-appropriate learning activities/ experiences with individual children and small and large groups within the approved curriculum.
  4. Engages collaboratively with classroom personnel to implement the lessons and activities as guided by Child Development Specialists/Lead Teachers.
  5. Positively supports efforts for child behavioral observation and management, including implementing care interventions as coached to tailor care for each child’s unique needs.
  6. Supervises and engages in children’s activities to ensure safety, promote learning and socialization, and create an environment of joy and play for children.
  7. Satisfactorily completes and demonstrates necessary competency following 40 hours of pre-service training.
  8. Works cooperatively with the assigned site coach and all other personnel to resolve any programmatic or family concerns including but not limited to communication, service delivery, quality, and curriculum, and other duties as assigned such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness, and using time effectively.
  9. Demonstrates high dependability, including regular attendance for all assigned hours and timely notifications for necessary absences.
  10. On assigned duties, such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness and using time effectively (Coach).
  11. Participates in mealtime activities with the children to encourage good eating habits, good table manners, conversation and clean-up.
  12. Accompanies and supervises children on field trips.
  13. Sustains high engagement with all children in assigned classroom, including high attentiveness, active play and activity participation, and meaningful relational connection.
  14. Receives feedback and coaching with curiosity and an interest in improving
  15. Builds and sustains healthy, positive relationships with all children, families, and personnel
  16. Participates meaningfully in trainings on racial justice and gender equity and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive, equitable practice
  17. Monitors and reports to coach health status of children for illness or areas of concern.
  18. Completes casefile documentation accurately and timely
  19. Completes time and attendance reports accurately and timely
  20. Maintains an orderly and hygienic environment, including regular tidying, cleaning, and sanitization
  21. Observes all Children’s Center and YWCA policies and procedures.
  22. Participate in 4 hours of out of classroom training, supervision, and admin weekly.
  23. Participate in 3 hours of classroom coaching weekly.
  24. Demonstrates satisfactory performance in routine performance reviews.
  25. Complies with applicable local, state and federal licensing requirements/certification and/or regulations.
  26. Complies with association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
  27. Safeguards confidential information gained as a result of the position.
  28. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, the Association, and the program.
  29. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
  30. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education requirements, certifications, work experience

  1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
  2. Ability to meet requirements of Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing.
  3. Satisfactory response to criminal and child abuse and neglect history checks.
  4. Able to work with people of diverse backgrounds

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Successful employees will demonstrate the following key characteristics:

  • High energy and ability to sustain day-long engagement with children
  • Playfulness and warmth
  • Exceptional dependability, with an innate sense of ownership and responsibility
  • High patience and kindness, even when under pressure
  • Curiosity and a strong interest in continuous personal growth
  • Strong partnership and collaboration skill
  • Capacity to withstand a busy, high stimulation environment
  • An unwavering love for children

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
  2. Racial Justice Training
  3. Pronoun Training
  4. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
  5. Training as required by State of Michigan Child Care Licensing and high-quality program implementation
  6. Other appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.

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