ECEAP Lead Teacher

Educational Service District 123•Pasco, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Educational Service District 123 is hiring an ECEAP Lead Teacher for its early learning program in Pasco, Washington. The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall care and planning of the classroom and individual children, including the learning environment and the work of classroom staff and volunteers. The role provides a positive, developmentally appropriate learning environment and varied experiences that support children across all areas of development. The program emphasizes collaboration with the assistant teacher to support parents as the principal influence on their children's education and development. The position follows a Monday-through-Friday schedule of eight hours per day for 180 days per year, typically from late August through mid-June. The role reports to the ECEAP Site Coordinator and has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is classified as FLSA non-exempt. Applicants must meet one of these qualification pathways: an associate or higher degree in Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate ECE; a DCYF-approved equivalent; or a high school diploma or GED with an ESD 123-approved professional development plan that gives eligible new hires five years from hire to become fully qualified through one of the other pathways. A cleared portable background check is required. The role also requires an MMR vaccine or proof of immunity, a one-step Mantoux TB skin test or treatment in accordance with the cited WAC, a first aid and CPR card within 90 days of hire, and a food handler's permit. Two to three years of preschool or similar experience and English-Spanish bilingual ability are preferred, not required. The listed 2026–27 hourly rate is $25.59–$28.80, corresponding to steps 1 through 5. Pay is issued monthly, and the posting provides an example gross monthly paycheck of $3,070.80–$3,456.00 for a full work calendar, with the amount depending on hiring date and salary placement. Benefits include access to SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance; Washington DRS SERS retirement; a medical reimbursement account; life and long-term disability insurance; a wellness program; paid sick and personal leave; and winter, spring, and summer breaks under the typical school calendar.

Requirements

Meet one of the following: an associate or higher degree in Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate ECE; a DCYF-approved equivalent; or a high school diploma or GED with an ESD 123-approved professional development plan allowing up to five years from hire to become fully qualified.
Cleared MERIT portable background check before working directly with children.
MMR vaccine or proof of immunity.
Completion of a one-step Mantoux tuberculosis skin test, or treatment in accordance with WAC 110-300-0105(3).
First aid and CPR card within 90 days of hire.
Food Handler's Permit.
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 or trainings and supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.
Physical ability to perform significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. The job includes occasionally lifting 35 or more pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
At least 2–3 years of experience working in a preschool classroom or similar setting.
Proactive self-starter who takes initiative.
Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities.
Confident and humble, willing to share credit and emphasize teamwork.
Eager to learn, take on responsibility, and pursue new opportunities.
Sound judgment and intuition in working with people and group dynamics.
A see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach.

Responsibilities

Observe and assess children's development, record written observations throughout the year, and develop individualized learning plans while maintaining confidential child records.
Administer standardized screening tools within 90 days of school entry and complete rescreens and referrals as needed.
Analyze children's developmental needs and interests to plan classroom curriculum and implement an integrated, child-centered, comprehensive, multicultural program that accommodates children with disabilities.
Develop daily classroom schedules and routines, prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with ECEAP performance standards, and design the environment to reflect the cultures of children, families, staff, and the community.
Implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities and build positive relationships with children, supporting their learning and emotional needs.
Build positive relationships with parents, encourage their involvement in the educational program, and conduct three hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child's family.
Collaborate with the Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and materials according to the planned schedule and routines.
Assist in planning, preparing, and serving snacks and meals; facilitate mealtimes and sit with children to provide support and conversation.
Administer first aid as needed and inspect indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards.
Collaborate with the Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
Assist with recruiting and training family and community volunteers for classroom participation.
Participate in interdisciplinary planning for children and families, including staffing, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans, and cross-component coordination.
Attend ESD 123 in-service trainings, staff meetings, and other learning opportunities to develop knowledge of best practices.
Collaborate with the Assistant Teacher, families, and site team to support transitions, including transitions to before- or after-school care and kindergarten.
Keep informed of program changes and updates, maintain confidentiality, and follow applicable ESD 123 Board policies and procedures and ECEAP performance standards.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Attend occasional evening meetings or trainings and supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.