Job Posting ID: 62
Location(s): YAKIMA
Employment Type: Full Time
Job Type: Non-Exempt
Posted Date: 08/19/2025
Deadline: 09/02/2025
Pay: $22.88 - $24.49
Hours per Day: 8:00:00

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for providing an early childhood education program for children ages three to five-years-old that meets high quality standards including ECEAP Performance Standards and Washington State Child Care Licensing Guidelines. This position addresses all areas of development and meets the individual needs of each child. This position observes and assesses children’s development, plans children’s curriculum based on child development knowledge, designs the learning environment, and implements and supervises developmentally appropriate learning activities. The Lead Preschool Teacher works in partnership with families and other early learning staff to ensure that the developmental, health, and safety needs of each child are met.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
Minimum of three years of experience working in ECEAP/Head Start, childcare or other comparable programs in a leadership position.
Demonstrated, successful experience in direct supervision of staff.
Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
Experience working in ECEAP and/or Head Start programs.
Experience with low-income families.
Required Skills, Knowledge and or Abilities
Meet the ECEAP Performance Standards requirements for Lead Teacher.
Ability to work with minimal direction from supervisor.
Demonstrated ability to work with people, including parents, social service providers, and school district personnel.
Demonstrate a deep understanding of child development principles and early childhood education methodologies.
Ability to create age-appropriate curriculum plans that promote learning and development in areas such as literacy, numeracy, social skills, and creative expression.
Strong skills in managing a preschool classroom, including behavior management techniques, creating a positive learning environment, and fostering a sense of community among students.
Demonstrate excellent communication skills when interacting with children, parents, and other staff members. This includes both verbal and written communication.
Ability to build positive relationships with parents, communicate effectively about their child’s progress and needs, and encourage parental involvement in the preschool community.
Ability to work collaboratively with other teachers and staff members to plan and implement activities, share ideas, and support the overall goals of the preschool program.
Proven leadership skills to guide and mentor fellow team members in achieving academic excellence and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Being able to identify challenges or issues in the classroom and develop creative solutions to address them in a constructive manner.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills to effectively plan lessons, manage resources, and meet administrative requirements while also attending to the needs of individual students.
Knowledge of family dynamics, challenges, and needs in the target area, particularly among low-income families.
Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to create an inclusive classroom environment that celebrates diversity and respects the backgrounds and experiences of all students and families.
Knowledge of licensed child care rules in Washington state.
Knowledge of Early Achievers and the Quality Recognition Framework.
Effective communication and writing skills, fluency in oral and written English.
Flexibility in work hours and ability to work under pressure and unanticipated constraints.
Hispanic cultural competency.
Basic computer skills.
Willingness and ability to travel to conferences and meetings.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and or Abilities
Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish).
Fluency in Spanish.
Experience using Teaching Strategies products including GOLD and Creative Curriculum.
Experience with Early Achievers.
Other Requirements
Personal transportation, including vehicle liability insurance, valid WA state driver’s license, and willingness to travel.
Compliance with TB testing, MMR Vaccine, and Department of Children, Youth, and Families background check.
Hold current Food Handler’s Card and First Aid/CPR card.
Completed 30 hours Initial Basic STARS training in MERIT.

JOB STATEMENT

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, the scope of responsibilities, and the physical demands, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

Please refer the Job description for details