Learning Development Associate Jobs in Loris, SC

POSITION SUMMARY:                       

Under the supervision of the Early Learning Director or designated supervisor, the Early Learning Instructor is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of children ages six weeks through five years. Working collaboratively as part of the teaching team, this position creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes school readiness, positive relationships, and lifelong learning while ensuring compliance with YMCA policies and South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS) Child Care Licensing Regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that promote learning through play, creativity, and school readiness.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports each child's individual growth and development.
• Supervise children at all times while maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios and ensuring compliance with YMCA and SC DSS licensing requirements.
• Observe, document, and communicate children's developmental progress, milestones, and individual needs with families and supervisors.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers through open communication and exceptional customer service.
• Follow all YMCA policies, Child Protection Standards, SC DSS licensing regulations, health and safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary classroom, including learning materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Complete required documentation, including attendance, developmental observations, incident reports, and other classroom records.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality care and continuity of classroom operations.
• Participate in required staff meetings, professional development, family engagement activities, and YMCA events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

• Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with youth.
• Attend all required Abuse Risk Management and Child Protection trainings.
• Follow established procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities.
• Immediately report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Comply with all mandated reporting requirements and child protection protocols.
• Follow all YMCA and Praesidium standards related to child abuse prevention and youth protection.
• Every employee shares responsibility for protecting the children and families entrusted to our care.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must meet the qualifications for child care teaching staff as established by South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Child Development Associate (CDA), associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of six months of experience working in an early childhood setting preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and positive behavior guidance.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications, or the ability to obtain required certifications within YMCA-established timeframes.
• Must successfully complete all required background screenings, health requirements, SC DSS pre-service training, and annual professional development requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed primarily in an active early childhood classroom with frequent indoor and outdoor activities.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit on the floor, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, and actively participate in classroom activities.
• Must be able to lift and assist children, classroom materials, and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Requires continuous visual and auditory supervision of children and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
• Frequently exposed to moderate noise levels, varying weather conditions during outdoor play, cleaning and sanitizing products, and common childhood illnesses.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.