Early Learning Professional Parental Leave

Company: The Young Women's Christian Association of Kalamaz
Location: Kalamazoo
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

MISSION STATEMENT: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. PRIMARY FUNCTION: This position will support full-time care for infants ages 6 weeks-15 months in a structured early learning environment. This position is temporary and ineligible for benefits. Start date occurs immediately, and remains until June, 2026. QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent required. Significant and relevant post-high school education or training in early childhood education or child/family-related field, but at minimum meet the requirements for a Lead Teacher as required by State of Michigan Child Care Licensing. Two years of experience working with young children and families in some capacity at minimum. Licensed childcare experience preferred. Understanding of Creative Curriculum (curriculum), Teaching Strategies GOLD (developmental assessment tool), and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (developmental screener) preferred. Ability to meet requirements of Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing. Must pass criminal and child abuse and neglect history checks. Able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the trauma-responsive and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) childcare strategies required of all program personnel. Assists children in all daily activities including, but not limited to, instruction, play, rest, toileting, personal hygiene, dressing and eating. Organizes and implements age-appropriate learning activities/ experiences with individual children and small and large groups within the approved curriculum. Engages collaboratively with classroom personnel to implement the lessons and activities as guided by Child Development Specialists/Lead Teachers. Positively supports efforts for child behavioral observation and management, including implementing care interventions as coached to tailor care for each child’s unique needs. Supervises and engages in children’s activities to ensure safety, promote learning and socialization, and create an environment of joy and play for children. Satisfactorily completes and demonstrates necessary competency following 40 hours of pre-service training. 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. Demonstrates high dependability, including regular attendance for all assigned hours and timely notifications for necessary absences. On assigned duties, such as preparing activity materials, room cleanliness and using time effectively (Coach). Participates in mealtime activities with the children to encourage good eating habits, good table manners, conversation and clean-up. Accompanies and supervises children on field trips. Sustains high engagement with all children in assigned classroom, including high attentiveness, active play and activity participation, and meaningful relational connection. Receives feedback and coaching with curiosity and an interest in improving Builds and sustains healthy, positive relationships with all children, families, and personnel Participates meaningfully in trainings on racial justice and gender equity and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive, equitable practice Monitors and reports to coach health status of children for illness or areas of concern. Completes casefile documentation accurately and timely Completes time and attendance reports accurately and timely Maintains an orderly and hygienic environment, including regular tidying, cleaning, and sanitization Observes all Children’s Center and YWCA policies and procedures. Participate in 4 hours of out of classroom training, supervision, and admin weekly. Participate in 3 hours of classroom coaching weekly. Demonstrates satisfactory performance in routine performance reviews. Complies with applicable local, state and federal licensing requirements/certification and/or regulations. Complies with association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse. Safeguards confidential information gained as a result of the position. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, the Association, and the program. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers. Performs other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: YWCA assigned building Occasional off-site locations; promotional events, networking events, community engagement events, etc. Potential outdoor events Actions: Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, some lifting Frequently required to remain stationary Frequently required to move Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl Continually required to communicate and exchange accurate information Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate-loud Occasionally work in high, precarious places Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals The employee must frequently lift and /or move more than 25 pounds. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Ability to adjust focus Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: computer, tablet, vehicle use, Frequent travel to and from offsite locations and events Frequent exposure to bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens, or infectious materials TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting. Training as required by State of Michigan Child Care Licensing and high-quality program implementation Other appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equal Opportunity Employer

Keywords: The Young Women's Christian Association of Kalamaz, Portage , Early Learning Professional Parental Leave, Education / Teaching , Kalamazoo, Michigan