Before and After School Lead Teacher

YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties•Tacoma, WA
•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Before and After School Lead Teacher to support its year-round child care program at Franklin Pierce School District in Tacoma, Washington. The program offers children a variety of activities to explore and develop their interests and talents, with a focus on safety, health, social growth, and academic enrichment. The role helps children have fun and thrive while in YMCA care. This full-time position is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. The posted schedule is before school from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and after school from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; hours vary depending on the school district. Lead Teachers work some hours outside the posted schedule, and the position continues year-round, including during summer months. The wage is $21.35 to $26.89 per hour. Compensation depends on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the range. Employment is contingent on completing applicable post-offer requirements, which may include age verification, reference checks, and state and national background checks. Inquiries and checks are conducted only after a conditional offer is made.

Requirements

  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Have previous experience working with children in a childcare setting.
  • Have 12 or more college quarter credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education, or equivalent educational background in courses relating to early learning or child development.
  • Commit to completing STARS training within 60 days of hire and all Washington State educational requirements within four years of hire.
  • Hold Infant-Child CPR and Basic First Aid certifications.
  • Have a valid Food Handlers Permit or obtain one within 30 days of hire; the YMCA will assist with the process.
  • Complete a pre-employment TB skin test with negative results and provide proof of MMR vaccination before the first day of employment.
  • Successfully complete required DCYF background and fingerprint checks before the first day of hire.
  • Complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on the first day and other online and in-person training as required.
  • Have reliable transportation and the ability to assist at other childcare sites as needed.
  • Pass background and reference checks in accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act.
  • Value and promote diversity and contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Nice To Haves

  • Two years of full-time management experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct parent conferences and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with parents.
  • Work with the program director and branch leadership team to advocate for team needs and collaborate on partnership opportunities when appropriate.
  • Provide feedback and support onboarding of new site staff; implement training guidelines, including shadowing and coaching new staff during the program.
  • Ensure the program follows YMCA policies and procedures and the Washington Administrative Code.
  • Promote a positive environment that fosters fun, safety, and YMCA values, including proximity praise, specific action compliments, and the YMCA’s 8 Points of Leadership.
  • Attend and participate in family nights and program activities.
  • Support the YMCA Child Care Program year-round in providing activities for children focused on safety, health, social growth, and academic enhancement.
  • Assist at other childcare sites as needed.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefit plan options.
  • YMCA-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
  • Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement savings plan.
  • After two years of full-time employment, the YMCA contributes 8% of monthly earnings to the retirement plan.
  • Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation, with accrual increasing with years of service.
  • Eight paid holidays or floating holidays per year.
  • Paid sick leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked.
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
  • Digital mental health counseling platform.
  • Wellness program.
  • LifeMart employee discount center.
  • Professional training, education, and certification opportunities.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees.
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services, and merchandise.
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