What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Teacher position at Federal Way Public Schools?
Position Summary
The lead teacher provides children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. The lead teacher works in collaboration with the assistant teacher and site team to enhance the parent's role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
Associate Degree or higher in any field with 30 credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE) OR
Current Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsement in ECE (PreK-3) or Early Childhood Special Education
(Substitution: Professional Development Plan to complete above qualifications)
Preferred Qualifications
15 ECE credits
One (1) school year (9 months) experience in a preschool classroom
Current and former E-Start parents receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are equally qualified
Condition Of Employment
Criminal background clearance
Possess and maintain a valid and current food handler's permit
Possess and maintain a current district-approved American Heart Association or American Red Cross pediatric CPR and first aid training within 90 days of employment. District approved courses must include hands-on exam.
Have reliable transportation
Submit a Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) health clearance form from a medical provider
Provide current negative tuberculosis (TB) test results or negative chest X-ray
Cannot smell of smoke, perfume, or other chemicals
Possess and maintain district-paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class
Pass and maintain a Portable Back Check (PBC) on Merit through DCYF. This must be cleared prior to staff's employment start date.
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
Knowledge Of
School board policies and procedures
Compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Developmentally-appropriate practices for preschool children
Ability To
Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail
Speak, read and follow written or verbal communications
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers
Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Relate effectively with parents, staff, students, volunteers and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Adjust to varied situations, demands and new instructional concepts
Perform basic clerical tasks such as record keeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
Attend occasional evening meetings and to occasionally visit parents in their homes
Supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips
Demonstrate basic knowledge of technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to stand/walk, stoop, squat, kneel, use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to sit, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and crawl.
The position also requires hand/finger dexterity; hearing; speaking; seeing; tasting; smelling; writing; and keyboarding.
The position requires the employee to lift and move equipment, materials, and/or food up to 40 lbs. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 pounds and must frequently lift /carry up to 30 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 40 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 300 pounds. Anything over the weight limits should be done as a two-person lift or with a mechanical lift. The employee must be able to lift and hold children.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions in a controlled space with artificial lighting and some natural lighting. The employee may be required to go outside for recess. The indoor flooring is both carpeted and linoleum. The employee may go outside for recess. The employee regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud. The employee may be exposed to infectious diseases carried by children and must follow universal precautions when caring for hygiene needs. This position requires exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals. The employee must adjust to frequent interruptions in their work schedule. The employee abides by OSHA safety rules/standards and wears required safety equipment, and wears safe shoes with toe and heel covering.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position typically works Monday through Friday during preschool hours during the school year. Hours may vary. Must be able to work some evenings and weekend.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to ECEAP Coordinator and/or designee.
REPRESENTATION
Public School Employees (ECEAP)
Level Of Compensation
ECEAP Lead Teacher position on the ECEAP Salary Schedule
This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE - Medical, dental, vision; sick, life insurance and retirement.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Updated Min Quals 6/2023
Update 07/2015
Updated to new format 08/2016
Updated Right Response language 07/2017
Updated 03/2023 - Portable Back Check
Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.
All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.
Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.
The lead teacher provides children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. The lead teacher works in collaboration with the assistant teacher and site team to enhance the parent's role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Team Player: Contributes to the development of communication mutual respect, mutual support, competence, and creativity among all members of the ECEAP staff.
- Leadership: Provides leadership and support to assistant teacher(s).
- Recruitment: In collaboration with other site staff, supports and participates in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
- Curriculum Planning: Plans and develops a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities. Prepares and implements lesson plans in accordance with the ECEAP program performance standards and program service plans. Provides an integrated, child centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.
- Guidance: Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional needs.
- Classroom Preparation: Collaborates with Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom program.
- Communication/Family Support: Communicates regularly and respectfully with families and involves them in the educational program. Encourages and supports families in working toward goals they have set for themselves. Collaborates with site team in planning and facilitating family events/meetings. When working with diverse populations, accesses interpreters and language line as needed through ESD ECEAP Interpreter Fund.
- Educational Planning Meetings: Conducts three hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child's family.
- Record Keeping: Completes written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develops a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry. Maintains complete confidential records on each child.
- Screenings: Administers standardized screening tools on every child within 90 days of school entry. Re-screens and refers as necessary.
- Family-Style Meal Service: Assists with planning, preparation and serving of snacks and meals; participates in and facilitates mealtime service, and joins children at the table for support and conversation.
- Health Supervision: Teaches and oversees health habits in the classroom, i.e. handwashing, toothbrushing, etc. Administers first aid as needed. Checks indoor and outdoor environment for safety hazards. Works in collaboration with Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
- Supervision: Supervises, trains and supports preschool teaching assistants. Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.
- Interdisciplinary Staffing: Participates in interdisciplinary planning for children and families including staffing, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans and other cross-component coordination efforts.
- Professional Development: Participates in PSESD in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to Gains knowledge and skills throughout the year.
- Transitions: Works in collaboration with Assistant Teacher, families and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families to before- and after-school care and between ECEAP and Kindergarten.
- Participate in EPSDT program as directed
- Responsible to keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
Education and Experience
Associate Degree or higher in any field with 30 credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE) OR
Current Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsement in ECE (PreK-3) or Early Childhood Special Education
(Substitution: Professional Development Plan to complete above qualifications)
Preferred Qualifications
15 ECE credits
One (1) school year (9 months) experience in a preschool classroom
Current and former E-Start parents receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are equally qualified
Condition Of Employment
Criminal background clearance
Possess and maintain a valid and current food handler's permit
Possess and maintain a current district-approved American Heart Association or American Red Cross pediatric CPR and first aid training within 90 days of employment. District approved courses must include hands-on exam.
Have reliable transportation
Submit a Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) health clearance form from a medical provider
Provide current negative tuberculosis (TB) test results or negative chest X-ray
Cannot smell of smoke, perfume, or other chemicals
Possess and maintain district-paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class
Pass and maintain a Portable Back Check (PBC) on Merit through DCYF. This must be cleared prior to staff's employment start date.
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
Knowledge Of
School board policies and procedures
Compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Developmentally-appropriate practices for preschool children
Ability To
Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail
Speak, read and follow written or verbal communications
Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers
Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Relate effectively with parents, staff, students, volunteers and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
Adjust to varied situations, demands and new instructional concepts
Perform basic clerical tasks such as record keeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
Attend occasional evening meetings and to occasionally visit parents in their homes
Supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips
Demonstrate basic knowledge of technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to stand/walk, stoop, squat, kneel, use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to sit, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and crawl.
The position also requires hand/finger dexterity; hearing; speaking; seeing; tasting; smelling; writing; and keyboarding.
The position requires the employee to lift and move equipment, materials, and/or food up to 40 lbs. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 pounds and must frequently lift /carry up to 30 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 40 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 300 pounds. Anything over the weight limits should be done as a two-person lift or with a mechanical lift. The employee must be able to lift and hold children.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions in a controlled space with artificial lighting and some natural lighting. The employee may be required to go outside for recess. The indoor flooring is both carpeted and linoleum. The employee may go outside for recess. The employee regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud. The employee may be exposed to infectious diseases carried by children and must follow universal precautions when caring for hygiene needs. This position requires exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals. The employee must adjust to frequent interruptions in their work schedule. The employee abides by OSHA safety rules/standards and wears required safety equipment, and wears safe shoes with toe and heel covering.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position typically works Monday through Friday during preschool hours during the school year. Hours may vary. Must be able to work some evenings and weekend.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to ECEAP Coordinator and/or designee.
REPRESENTATION
Public School Employees (ECEAP)
Level Of Compensation
ECEAP Lead Teacher position on the ECEAP Salary Schedule
This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE - Medical, dental, vision; sick, life insurance and retirement.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Updated Min Quals 6/2023
Update 07/2015
Updated to new format 08/2016
Updated Right Response language 07/2017
Updated 03/2023 - Portable Back Check
Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.
All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.
Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.