What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preschool Lead Teacher position at Puyallup Playcare Center?
Overview
We are a non-profit organization looking for a lead teacher for our preschool classroom! We are looking for someone who is passionate, creative, energetic, and understands how to meet children where they are. If you love planning engaging and hands on learning experiences, understand the diversity of children’s learning experiences, and want to make a difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you!
Duties
Position Specific / Classroom
- Build positive, respectful relationships with children and families
- Collaborate with co-teachers to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Plan engaging activities, field trips, and classroom experiences
- Maintain safe, organized, and engaging classroom and outdoor environments
- Follow classroom schedules and manage daily routines effectively
- Support children’s social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development
- Practice active supervision and complete daily health and safety checks
- Communicate regularly with families about children’s daily experiences and progress
- Complete developmental screenings, assessments, documentation, and family conferences
- Train and mentor assistants, support staff, and new employees while modeling program expectations
General Program
- Follow all licensing, health, safety, and program regulations and policies
- Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized indoor and outdoor program spaces
- Report suspected child abuse or maltreatment according to state requirements
- Support quality improvement initiatives and maintain required certifications
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all families and staff
- Communicate professionally and collaborate positively with coworkers and visitors
- Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff information
- Arrive reliably for shifts, remain flexible, and assist where needed throughout the program
- Represent the program professionally through appearance, attitude, and public interactions
- Perform physical, supervisory, transportation, janitorial, and substitute duties as needed to support program operations
Skills
- Proven experience in preschool or early childhood education with classroom management expertise.
- Strong knowledge of childhood development principles.
- Skilled in curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional design.
- Excellent communication skills for engaging with children, parents, teachers, and community partners.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals with complex needs and adapt teaching strategies accordingly.
- Familiarity with SmartTeach (formerly Teaching Strategies GOLD) for tracking student progress and assessments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage classroom behavior proactively while fostering a nurturing atmosphere.
- Strong conflict management skills coupled with patience and empathy to support diverse learners’ needs.
- Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach to early learning and creative environments.
Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $25