Supervisory and Other Relationships
The Lead Preschool Teacher reports to the Center Manager and works closely with the Assistant Preschool Teacher, School Readiness Liaison, Early Learning Mentor Coaches, Center Staff, ECE Specialists, Leads, Parents and Children. This position will guide and direct the Assistant Preschool Teacher.
Examples of Essential Duties and Accountabilities
The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.
1. Developmental appropriate curriculum planning for preschool classroom. Formulates lesson plans for classroom activities and Home Learning Tasks. Evaluates and documents progress of children in the classroom.
2. Models appropriate instructional techniques for Assistant Preschool Teacher, Substitutes, Floaters and Volunteers while ensuring that classroom ratios being met at all times.
3. Provides input on performance evaluations of Assistant Preschool Teacher and Floaters.
4. Analyzes children and classroom outcome reports and implements and monitors school readiness goals for the classroom.
5. Ensures completion of all appropriate documentation: i.e. Daily Assessment form, Meal Guide, Health Checks, Home Visits, and Parent/Teacher Conferences are completed within set timelines. Responsible for the daily completion of USDA Meal count and the safe release of children.
6. Provides a safe and healthy learning environment for children. Follows all state and federal regulations regarding instruction practices, fire, health, and safety standards; to include hand washing, laundry, and housekeeping practices.
7. Enhances physical and intellectual competence in children by promoting physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills, including children who require special services. Attend Teacher Meetings as scheduled to facilitate mentoring classroom staff in ECE.
8. Reinforces positive communication, respect, and interaction between children and adults.
9. Communicates with and actively involves parents in all aspects of center activities, through Home Visits, Parent Teacher Conferences, Open House, Make-n-Take, and Brainstorming sessions.
10. Follows established program curriculums, procedures, documentation, and service plans. In coordination with School Readiness Liaison, Early Learning Mentor Coaches, and program support ECE Specialists, monitors and provides technical assistance to teaching staff. Perform administrative duties as assigned.
11. Actively participates with age appropriate interactions and classroom activities such as free play, mealtime, floor time and class room activities. May include bathing, diaper changing for special needs children. Follows center procedures to receive and discharge the children.
12. Administer educational screenings, identify, and refer children with potential high risk of health, disability or behavioral concerns.
13. Maintains confidentiality of program and client related information at all times.
14. In-Kind Contributions: Responsible for contributing in any procedure or activity that fosters the contribution of in-kind funds, through the request of goods, services, cash donations, and/or through encouraging professional, community members and parents to volunteer time to the program
Minimum Qualifications
Incumbents are required to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in these areas:
• AA Degree in ECE or an Associate’s Degree, with 30 ECE related college credits with experience in teaching infant/toddler and/or preschool children;
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices;
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment;
• Experience in policy and procedure processes;
• Experience in planning and facilitating groups;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills;
• Experience in the classroom risk management;
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems;
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports;
• Strong customer service focus;
• Ability to work with culturally diverse population;
• Knowledge with personal computer, including Microsoft Office; and
• Accurate data, documentation and recordkeeping skills.
These skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education, training and experience which would include at least six (6) months experience in a child care setting. The combination of education and experience will provide the competence and skills to perform the work of the position. Candidates who do not meet the minimal education requirement would need to hold a current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent Preschool certificate, enroll in a higher education institution towards an AA in ECE, and additionally be on an approved waiver.
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous Head Start experience;
• English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency;
• BA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE); or BA degree in a related field with thirty (30) or more ECE college credits.
Position Requirements
Incumbents are required to have the following:
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Valid Washington State driver’s license;
• Proof of automobile insurance;
• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities;
• Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check;
• Must pass initial and periodic Department of Early Learning (DEL) background check;
• Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment);
• Current Food Handler card; (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Current First Aid / CPR cards, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Subject to initial and periodic TB screen;
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Blood Borne Pathogen training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Subject to random drug screen;
• Obtain required initial STARS/MERIT training within six (6) months of employment of position;
• Obtain Fifteen (15) hours continuing in-service training annually;
• Obtain Ten (10) hours continuing STARS/MERIT training annually;
• Sign an Educational Professional Development Plan (PDP) to obtain an BA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE);
• Sign a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to learn to read, write and speak English (recommended);
• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and
• Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this position can be found at https://inspirecenters.org/careers/. Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits.