GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION

The lead classroom teachers direct all daily operations in a developmentally appropriate classroom (infant, toddler, preschool, or school age). The lead teacher is skilled enough to manage a classroom, independently up to Washington State’s child to teacher ratio. Toddler is 1:7, supervise assistants when ratio exceeds 1:7 (up to 14 children with two teachers), and work collaboratively with Curriculum & Classroom Specialist.
The Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining a cohesive teaching team, implementing and assisting with the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom.
Our teachers must be able to take feedback with a growth mindset. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and build a strong partnership with parents.

MUST MEET AND UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• WAC 110-300-0120 Providing for personal, professional, and health needs of staff
• WAC 110-300-0105 Preservice requirements

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Upon Hire or within one week of hire:

• Background clearance through Department of Child, Youth and Families
• Negative TB Test
• Blood Borne Pathogens Training
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Safe Sleep Training

Within 90 days of hire, the following needs to be completed:

• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Child Care Basics Certification

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional, full-time childcare and classroom experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Skilled in running a classroom up to full licensing, ratio capacity
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• State specific requirements: can provide upon request
• Must clear full background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat, crawl or lift up to 35 lbs. to assist with caregiving needs
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.

INDICATED SALARY (HOURLY) IS STARTING, DEPENDING ON EDUCATION:

• The range of the pay scale is someone with minimum years of experience (2 years, FT) and no education ($17) and someone with 10+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s in ECE or related ($22.50)
• At 1 year, teacher will be eligible for a raise based on the wage metric and with “good” 1 month, 90 day and annual evaluations (must show summative growth).
• Merit raised can be given at any time for exceptional performance above minimum job requirements and duties.

INDICATED SALARY (HOURLY) IS STARTING, DEPENDING ON EDUCATION:

• The range of the pay scale is someone with minimum years of experience (2 years, FT) and no education ($17) and someone with 10+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s in ECE or related ($22.50)
• At 1 year, teacher will be eligible for a raise based on the wage metric and with “good” 1 month, 90 day and annual evaluations (must show summative growth).
• Merit raised can be given at any time for exceptional performance above minimum job requirements and duties.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working in partnership with the Program Supervisor, co-planning, implementing, and evaluating curriculum activities for children; planning and directing routine classroom activities such as meals, bathroom breaks and/or diaper changes, rest and recharge time, and physical care; modeling appropriate nurturing and communication skills with children; directing and maintaining a safe, healthy environment; completing child assessments and conducting parent conferences; leading assistant teacher and support staff, student staff, and volunteers in classroom; upholding licensing and accreditation standards; evaluating student staff; and completing required paperwork.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Display professionalism that contributes to a positive team-work culture.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.