What are the responsibilities and job description for the ECEAP Preschool Lead Teacher-Wishram position at Wishram School District?
General Responsibilities>b?
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) Lead Teacher provides developmentally appropriate instruction and learning experiences that promote school readiness and support the cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development of preschool-aged children. The Lead Teacher builds strong partnerships with families, collaborates with school and community partners, and ensures compliance with ECEAP Performance Standards and district requirements.
This position offers a unique opportunity to help establish and shape a new ECEAP preschool program serving children and families in our community. For many local families, access to preschool and early learning services is limited or unavailable. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding educational opportunities for young children and help build a strong foundation for future student success.
About Wishram School District
Wishram School District is a small rural district located in the Columbia River Gorge. We pride ourselves on strong relationships, small class sizes, and a commitment to ensuring every child receives the individualized support they need to succeed. As a small district, we value collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to make a meaningful impact. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, families, and staff while helping create a program that will serve our community for years to come. As a small rural district, Wishram values developing talent from within our communities. Applicants who are working toward ECEAP qualifications and are eligible for an approved Professional Development Plan (PDP) are encouraged to apply.
Salary: $21.77 - $37.22 per hour DOE and qualifications.
Assignment: School Year Position (September - June) following the district academic calendar. Generally not scheduled during winter break, spring break, holidays, or summer break.
Benefits: Eligible for Washington State School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) health insurance (includes medical, dental & vision), School Employees Retirement System (SERS) retirement benefits, 12 days of paid sick leave, 3 days of personal leave, and other district benefits in accordance with district policy and state eligibility requirements. For additional information regarding salary and benefits, contact Business Manager Sarah Hathaway at 509-767-6090.
Essential Functions/Other Functions
Essential Functions:
- Plans and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Washington Early Learning and Development Guidelines (WELDG) and ECEAP performance standards.
- Creates and maintains a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports the academic, social-emotional, physical, and behavioral development of preschool-aged children.
- Conducts ongoing observations, screenings, assessments, and documentation to monitor child growth and inform individualized instruction.
- Supports children's school readiness by promoting language, literacy, early math, problem-solving, self-regulation, and social skills through developmentally appropriate practices.
- Builds positive partnerships with families through regular communication, family conferences, home visits, and family engagement activities.
- Collaborates with family support staff, specialists, district personnel, and community agencies to meet the individual needs of children and families.
- Maintains accurate and timely student records, assessment data, attendance records, and ECEAP program documentation.
- Ensures compliance with ECEAP, DCYF, district, health, safety, and licensing requirements.
- Implements culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices that support equity and belonging for all children and families.
- Participates in required professional development, staff meetings, training, and continuous program improvement activities.
- Supervises children and maintains appropriate health, safety, and behavioral expectations during all program activities.
- Supports school-wide and program-wide initiatives that promote student success, family engagement, and positive school culture.
- Completed other duties and fulfill responsibilities as assigned.
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent and be eligible to obtain required ECEAP Lead Teacher qualifications through an approved Professional Development Plan (PDP) within timelines established by ECEAP.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to work effectively with preschool-aged children and families.
- Ability to collaborate with staff, specialists, and community partners.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain required records and documentation.
- Ability to obtain required background clearances, certifications, and training.
- Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate.
- Washington State Teaching Certificate with early childhood endorsement or experience.
- Previous experience as a preschool, Head Start, ECEAP, or early childhood teacher.
- Experience implementing developmentally appropriate practices and play-based learning.
- Knowledge of Washington ECEAP Performance Standards and DCYF requirements.
- Experience conducting child assessments and family engagement activities.
- Experience working in rural schools or communities.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
Salary : $21 - $37