Ensuring Excellence in Early Learning Compliance and Quality - the YMCA is now hiring an Educational Coordinator for the Preschool for All program!

The Educational Coordinator is responsible for the development and implementation of policies, procedures and overall compliance of all childcare sites according to PFAE Standards, city and state license requirements. This role will work in conjunction with the Executive Director and Early Learning Site Directors to ensure program compliance and quality through ongoing, consistent review, monitoring and follow-up. The Educational Coordinator will ensure timely submission of documents and reports to internal staff as well, as program funders including but not limited to PFAE, IWAS System, and the YMCA.

Salary starts at $58,800 per year with full-time benefits and opportunities to grow within the organization! 

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:      We offer salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.  Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.  Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.  403(b) plan with company contributions after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.  Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.  A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.  Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events. 

Scopes and Responsibility

Demonstrate and promote high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom that fosters academic readiness. Build a safe, orderly and inclusive classroom environment in which children are encouraged to participate as individuals as well as members of the classroom community. Exhibit enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with children, parents, co-workers, administrators and community. Supports educational team so they can introduce and follow a consistent daily schedule which includes a balance of teacher and child-directed activities, choice time, small and large group, content learning, physical and outdoor activities, effective transitions, meals and rest period. Emphasize aspects of math, literacy and cultural diversity in all aspects of the program. Demonstrate competency and respect for families’ social-cultural background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic family values and beliefs into the classroom and lesson plans. Incorporate rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) that will support children’s academic, intellectual and linguistic development. Promote and reinforce family engagement in all aspects of the program and awareness through a variety of methods and ensure parents receive adequate information about their child’s experiences through regular contacts; and scheduled home visits and parent/teacher conferences. Utilize fidelity measures to support implementation of English Language Learner programs, and to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices. Develop a professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom, establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities; and to share and exchange information/ideas. Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance and retention of eligible families. Provides functional training and guidance to staff, interns, substitutes and volunteers assigned to the classroom. Maintain regular job attendance, professionalism in attire and demeanor, observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices. Accept and perform other duties or responsibilities assigned. Participate in ongoing development and evaluation of center’s goals and objectives. Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom and ensures the health and physical safety of children, at all times Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the Lead responsibility to plan and implement appropriate daily lesson plans, based upon the approved curriculum, that promotes cultural sensitivity and the cognitive, language, social/emotional and physical development of children. Supports educational team to prepare classroom environment and materials to support curriculum and learning experiences Individualize and adjust activities, instructional methods and environment to meet the children’s varying strengths, needs, interests and abilities. Guide and facilitate lesson plans which reflect mandated elements that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, and parents' involvement. Implement studies/projects for an in-depth investigation of a topic over time; and arrange for special guests and field trips to enhance children’s learning experiences. Convene team planning/meeting to plan, discuss strategies, review children’s data, meetings and provide guidance and support to classroom team in implementing the curriculum with fidelity. Provide opportunities for parent participation in classroom activities and parent/child activities at home. Complete quarterly inventory of classroom to identify and prioritize equipment and supplies needed; and coordinate with site director in making purchases. Organize and label materials, arrange and change furnishings to maintain and encourage new learning; and appropriately display children’s work and their families.

Evaluations, Assessments, and Reports

Administer and accurately document ongoing development using the identified screening and assessment tools, at established intervals; and provide guidance and assistance to parents with completion of parents' questionnaires. Observe children daily to determine and support social/emotional, cognitive, perceptual, physical, language, mathematics and scientific reasoning skills, interests and needs; and use this information to inform planning and facilitate learning. Complete observation and quarterly assessment of children, according to the methods of Teaching Strategies GOLD. Enter data for children into the appropriate information systems, according to set guidelines and timeframes. Attend internal staffing with FSW and participate in any additional staffing on children suspected or identified with special needs; and assist with the completion of referrals for further evaluation. Maintain an ongoing comprehensive portfolio for each child, including works samples and quarterly developmental assessment. Input classroom data weekly into appropriate information systems. Perform recordkeeping responsibilities for children and the classroom function. Generate and complete reports, using them to inform planning and information sharing with others.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements 

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field 1-3 years of experience in preschool/pre-kindergarten required and knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum design and teaching and instruction. Effective organizational, planning and group management skills with children. Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to tailor communication to different audiences. Ability to to build rapport and respect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the population served. Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills. Travel in Chicago area communities for Family Home Visits and training. Maintain accurate and complete records and documentation as needed. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, email and the ability to learn and adapt to new technology. Must pass DCFS background check and maintain clearance throughout employment Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Leader competencies in previous experience or practice. Willing and able to work flexible hours to accommodate program needs Meet required physical qualifications and annual requirements, as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:  

Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required