Early Childhood Program Lead (Project Management)

The salary for this position starts at $22.80. We take into consideration an individuals background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.
Job Summary:
The Early Care and Education Program Lead provides work direction for team members in the classroom(s) and oversees the success of program delivery. This position balances time in the classroom and time working with program leaders on the overall administration of the Early Care and Education Program. The incumbent works cooperatively with team members in the classroom and administrators to carry out the child care mission and vision. The incumbent provides quality childcare services to children and families that focus on the YMCA core values: equity honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Essential Functions:
Assist in managing all classrooms and ensuring compliance with YMCA policies and procedures including MN DHS Rule 3, NAEYC Accreditation and Parent Aware Standards. Assist in the development and implementation of program curriculum and program activities. Assist with continuous quality improvement, evaluation of programs and implements changes as needed. Assist with completion of administration work required for center operations Meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language development of the children while supporting equity and inclusion in all aspects of program. Work hands-on to ensure ratio requirements and assist with meal preparation, distribution and clean up. Maintain positive relationships with outside partners such as Head Start and School Districts Ability to participate in all indoor and outdoor activities. Support teaching team in delivering conferences and maintain communication with families. Onboard, train, develop, and provide work direction to team members. Support Assistant Director/Program Director in providing daily leadership and communication to team members and families as needed. Attend and facilitate required meetings, trainings, and other activities.

Relationships:
The incumbent interacts regularly with children, parents, and team members. The incumbent assists in overseeing and directing the daily work duties of the child care teachers/aides/assistant teachers within the classroom. This position involves interaction with parents, children, and staff from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications:
Required:
Meet Minnesota DHS Rule 3 including yearly in service requirements. Minimum 21 years of age. Adult and child CPR or CPR/PR, First Aid, and AED Certifications within 30 days of hire date. Commitment to working with children in a developmental setting and a sincere desire to have a meaningful effect on their lives. Ability to plan, organize and implement program activities. Excellent skills in teaching, communication, and human relations. Ability to work with diverse populations.
Preferred:
Meet NAEYC accreditation requirements. Knowledge of CACFP Program requirements. Previous work experience leading programming for children. Supervisory experience. Bi/Multi-Lingual

Work Conditions:
Perform all physical aspects of the position, including frequently moving around, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds at a time. Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations. May provide children with assistance in dealing with issues such as personal hygiene, medical needs, toileting, diapering, lifting, writing, feeding, and getting in or out of transportation. May be exposed to verbal outbursts, physical actions or bodily fluids as part of the child care environment. Ability to travel to other branches and programs Must be flexible to work varying hours to meet the needs of the site

Additional Notes:
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from branch representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the associations mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.