Preschool Lead Teacher

Department: Early Learning Location: Pasco, WA Reports To: ECEAP Site Coordinator Classification: Non-Exempt (180 days End of August
– Mid June @ 8 hrs/day) Hourly Rate: $18.89 starting SUMMARY: The Lead Teacher provides children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that 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 to enhance the parents role as the principal influence on the childs education and development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The lead teacher must demonstrate competency to: Observe and assess childrens development.

Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year.

Develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry.

Maintains complete confidential records on each child.

Administer standardized screening tools on every child within 90 days of school entry.

Re-screens and refers as necessary.

Plan childrens curriculum based on child development knowledge.

Provide an integrated, child centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.

Plan and develop a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities.

Prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with the ECEAP program performance standards.

Design the learning environment.

Implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities.

Build positive relationships with children.

Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.

Plan guidance strategies for children.

Involve parents.

Communicate regularly and respectfully with families and involve them in the educational program.

Encourage and support families in working toward goals they have set for themselves.

Conduct three hours of educational planning meetings annual with each childs family Provide leadership and support to assistant teacher.

Collaborate with Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom program.

Assist 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 Administer first aid as needed.

Check indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards.

Work in collaboration with Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.

Supervise and support preschool teaching assistant.

Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.

Participate in interdisciplinary planning for children and families to include staffing, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans and other cross-component coordination efforts.

Participates in ESD 123 in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year.

Work in collaboration with Assistant Teacher, families and site team to ensure smooth transition for children and families to before and after
– school care and between ECEAP and Kindergarten.

Keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.

Maintain confidentiality.

Follow all applicable Board Policies/Procedures and program requirements.

Supervisory: N/A OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs related duties as assigned.

*Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employees classification of work.

QUALIFICATIONS: All persons serving in the role of ECEAP lead teacher must meet one of the following qualifications: An associates or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in early childhood education.

These 30 credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree.

A valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood education (pre-K-Grade 3) or Early Childhood Special Education.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual in English and Spanish language required.

WSP/ FBI background clearance required, Requires knowledge and ability to: Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.

Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, staff and volunteers in a diverse environment.

Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands and new instructional concepts.

Ability to attend occasional evening meetings and occasionally visit parents in their home.

Ability to supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.

Certification and Licenses: First aid and CPR card within 90 days of hire.

Food and Beverage Handlers Permit within 90 days of hire.

Completion of one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) skin test, unless there is written proof of one of the following: A negative Mantoux TB test in the 12 months prior to hiring Medication therapy to treat TB A recent negative chest X-ray and a statement from a health care provider that the individual does not pose a risk to others.

POSITION BENEFITS: Opportunities to receive on the job training Access to full benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

Retirement Account.

Medical Reimbursement Account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.) Access to the agency's wellness program Paid leave WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity.

Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 35% walking, and 50% standing.

The job is performed under some hazardous conditions.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: Applicant selected for hire will be required to be fingerprinted for a Washington State Patrol and FBI criminal history and background inquiry check.

Employees of ESD 123 must abide by all of the agencies policies, including maintaining a smoke and tobacco-free work environment and a drug-free workplace.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.

Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Educational Service District 123 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status or physical or mental disability.