Lead Teacher (Younger Preschool)

Description

The Lead Teacher at Vision House Children's Village Child Care Center plays a crucial role in providing a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children can develop positive relationships and a love of learning. The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula, fostering a safe and engaging classroom, and maintaining communication with parents and staff.

CLASSROOM: Younger Preschool

REPORTS TO: Childcare Director

HOURS: 40 hours, hourly non-exempt

LOCATION: Shoreline, WA

SCHEDULE: 9 AM - 6 PM OR 6:30 PM

Our new Lead Teacher will enjoy the following benefits:

• Starting pay: $23.50 - $27.50 per hour DOE
• $500 Hiring Bonus for New Hires 
• Health insurance: Medical $75–$150/month, Dental $13/month, Vision $2/month (family rates available)
• Retirement plan with up to 3% employer match
• Generous paid time off: 3 weeks vacation to start, 13 paid holidays, and 9 days of sick leave (separate from PFML & FMLA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-sponsored life insurance
• Childcare tuition assistance for Vision House programs

As a Lead Teacher you will:

• Cultivate positive relationships with children, creating a warm, supportive classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive early childhood curricula, in coordination with other staff members.
• Develop daily individual and group lesson plans to meet the developmental needs of the children.
• Assess children's developmental progress regularly and make recommendations to the Director for any necessary referrals.
• Organize and maintain classroom supplies, documents, and equipment to support effective learning environments.
• Coordinate with the Child Care Director in assigning program and household tasks equitably among staff.
• Maintain daily communication with parents, providing verbal and written updates about their child's progress.
• Interpret and communicate center policies to assistant teachers and parents.
• Collaborate with other staff to implement routines and schedules in accordance with the center's standards.
• Maintain health and safety standards according to licensing requirements and ensure compliance with all state regulations.
• Assist in leading classroom activities during emergency drills and ensure children’s safety in emergency situations.
• Stay current on best practices and research in Early Childhood Education, particularly as it relates to serving children who have experienced trauma.
• Maintain necessary records, including attendance and developmental assessments.
• Provide feedback to the Child Care Director regarding staff performance, program delivery, and curriculum effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall operation of the childcare center.

Requirements

Lead Teacher candidates should meet the following qualifications and requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a childcare setting.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have or acquire an ECE (Early Childhood Education) Initial Certificate or equivalent, as verified in the electronic workforce registry.
• Progress toward an ECE Short Certificate within 2 years of receiving the ECE Initial Certificate.
• Proven ability in all areas of early childhood curriculum development and implementation, including language development, music, art, and more.
• Experience in managing classroom behavior and applying positive discipline strategies to promote a supportive learning environment.
• Food Handler's Permit.
• Obtain First Aid/CPR certification prior to start.
• Proof of negative TB test and MMR vaccine prior to start.
• Completion of 30 hours of STARS training and registration with MERIT prior to start.
• Proficiency in using early childhood education software tools to track attendance, communicate with parents, and maintain lesson plans.
• A love for children and a desire to impact their lives positively through education.
• Active Christian faith, with the ability to sign Vision House’s Statement of Faith.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to pass background check

Physical Demands/Work Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds properly.
• Ability to assume postures in low level positions that best allow physical and visual contact with children. Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, and handling materials (e.g., equipment, toys).
• Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities to monitor the environment and children's well-being.

Vision House is a Christian service agency.

Applicants will have employment eligibility verified with E-Verify.