Preschool Lead Teacher

Overview

Launch is dedicated to ensuring a brilliant start for all children. Through our preschool, after school and summer programs, we provide equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care in a safe, enriching environment that prepares children for success in school and life. Our programs serve a diverse group of over 1300 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 3 community centers. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, we serve as a proven model of effective programming and a passionate advocate for children, families and communities. Launch strives to live an anti-racist, inclusive existence, and welcomes diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives.

The Preschool Lead Teacher 1 or 2 is responsible for providing a safe, caring and academically and socially enriching environment for preschool children. This position ensures that all activities are developmentally appropriate, consistent with curriculum guidelines, and meet all identified academic and developmental domains. 

Sign on Bonus:  We are excited of offer a $500 bonus to the successful candidate! $250 of the bonus to be paid after the first month of employment and $250 upon successful completion of 90 days.  We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Essential Job Functions

·       In partnership with other Preschool Lead Teachers, plan and lead all activities in a classroom, with a focus on providing quality kindergarten readiness preparedness programs for children 3-5 years or age.

·       Plan, prepare, implement and clean-up activities and projects using the HighScope program outline.

·       Enter weekly observations and complete quarterly assessments in TSG.

·       Provide positive behavior guidance. Behavior is a way for children to communicate, ask yourself why them might be having a certain way. Be specific about what you want children to do, rather than what you do not want them to do.

·       Demonstrate ability to adapt to changes and modifications as recommended by coaches, leadership, and changing trends in early childhood education.

·       Maintain center appearance and cleanliness, including post activity clean up.

·       Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health Food Safety standards and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

·       Communicate frequently with parents, site leadership, and other key stakeholders about classroom activities, observations and identified progress, etc. Prepare and schedule parent/teacher conferences.

·       Complete required reports/assessments including observations, attendance (DATTs), health screenings, developmental screenings, etc.

·       Use daily planning time to prepare developmentally appropriate activities for students.

·       Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.

·       Complete Kindergarten transition forms and support Kindergarten Readiness programs.

·       Attend and complete all required trainings including State and Registry Service workshops.

·       Enforce all general safety rules of the center. Apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and practice other health and safety or life-saving procedures as needed.

·       Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent

Lead Teacher 1

·       An Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, Child Development or related field, which can include Youth Recreation/Development, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Psychology, Social Work with an emphasis on Human Development or other degrees as appropriate

OR

·       An Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college and verified in MERIT and 20 or more credits in ECE verified through Merit. Up to 10 credits may be classified as ECE-School age hybrid (E/S) credits.

·       Minimum three (3) years of experience working with preschool children (3-5 years old), including experience in behavior management and age-appropriate activity planning.

After Hire

·       Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Trainings:

·       Medication Management

·       Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

·       Families Experiencing Homelessness

·       Abusive Head Trauma

Within Six months of Hire

·       Completion of STARS Basic 30 hour Child Care course

The statement contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.