Early Learning Facilitator - East Palo Alto / Sequoia

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA Early Learning Readiness Program, also known as Nana y Yo, will work directly with informal family, friend, and neighbor caregivers and the children they care for in twice-weekly two-hour groups that are established to provide rich experiences for both adults and children. The facilitator will work with the YMCA supervisor to develop partnerships in the community, outreach to caregivers, and recruit and orient volunteers to support the program. The facilitator will also be responsible (along with the supervisor) for administering evaluation/assessment tools provided by YUSA for assessment of the impact of the program and to use the results for continuous program improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Curriculum Planning and Implementation for Program:

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive early childhood programs based on current research in child development and aligning with the state Early Learning Standards.
• Plans an environment and activities that facilitate the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language/linguistic development of children ages birth through 5. Plans 13 interest areas, including an outside area, and sets up/breaks down the environment as needed.
• Plans and implements programs consistent with the local Y strategic plan with an emphasis on health and wellness.
• Submits monthly lesson plans to the site supervisor for review in accordance with lesson plan procedures.
• Leads volunteers in preparation of materials for planned activities, set up and pack up of the environment as needed, and arranges materials in a safe and attractive manner while monitoring environmental health and safety hazards.
• Consistently interacts with all program participants, creating a welcoming environment and modeling positive behavior that promotes growth in all developmental areas. Understands and promotes positive child development practices.
• Facilitates and models appropriate caregiver/child interactions at the program site.

Health and Safety Practices:

• Sets up and maintains the learning environment by arranging materials in appropriate, safe, and attractive ways. Uses and teaches universal health practices, following all health and safety guidelines established by the YMCA, and facilitates cleaning/sanitizing of materials and equipment daily.

Recordkeeping of the caregivers and participants:

• Maintains enrollment forms, attendance, and health records up to date. Submits all required documents to the Program Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Orders/purchases supplies and materials as needed. Monitors supply levels and places orders in a timely manner to replenish and maintain necessary materials to facilitate smooth operation of the program. Monitors spending to meet budget limits.
• Helps to track and report on all required funding metrics.

Assessment:

• Regularly gathers information about children's and caregivers' development using anecdotal notes/observations.
• Works closely with the supervisor to guide curriculum planning based on assessments for children and adults and to be aware of participants' growth and development.
• Makes referrals for any needed early intervention services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children.
• Current certifications in infant/child CPR and first aid or completion of both certifications within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, appropriately, and correctly both verbally and in writing with parents, children, co-workers, volunteers, and supervisors.

SALARY RANGE: $23 - $26/hour

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Change Leadership: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.
• Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
• Philanthropy: Secures resources and support to advance the Y's work.
• Volunteerism: Engages volunteers and promotes social responsibility at all levels of the organization.
• Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.
• Fiscal Management: Manages the Y's resources responsibly and sustains the Y's nonprofit business model.
• Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.
• Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community.
• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.