ECEAP Lead Teacher - EWU

YMCA of The Inland Northwest•Cheney, WA

About The Position

The ECEAP Lead Teacher supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The role develops a safe, inclusive, and engaging program environment for children and families, and builds meaningful relationships through thoughtful conversations and regular updates about children’s development and learning. The Lead Teacher oversees an assigned classroom, plans and leads developmentally appropriate activities, observes and evaluates children, maintains required records and a safe learning center, and communicates with families about children’s needs and progress. The position follows ECEAP, Washington State DCYF licensing, Early Achievers, YMCA, and applicable ADA standards. It also participates in family and program activities, staff meetings, and training, and demonstrates the YMCA character principles of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Requirements

Have, or be willing to obtain within five years of hire, an Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Have previous experience working with children in a developmental, diverse setting.
Be able to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities.
Before the first day, provide a negative TB test from within the past six months and required MMR vaccination.
Complete or meet the listed onboarding requirements: register in DCYF MERIT, complete Blood Borne Pathogens training, and apply for a portable background check on the first day; complete Child Abuse Prevention training, First Aid/CPR certifications, a Food Handlers Permit, and 30 Hours Basic Training or an educational exemption within 30 days of hire.
Understand the YMCA’s commitment to public accommodation, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Be able to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Cultivate positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers, supporting each child’s learning and success.
Lead an assigned classroom by supervising, designing, engaging, and nurturing children through purposeful programming.
Follow ECEAP, Washington State DCYF Licensing, Early Achievers, YMCA, and applicable ADA standards, procedures, and safety requirements.
Conduct ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of individual children and help maintain required program records.
Communicate with parents and caregivers about children’s needs and progress, conduct family conferences, and connect families to the YMCA.
Maintain the program site, equipment inventory, and required records to support a safe, well-operating learning center.
Attend and participate in family nights, family home visits, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
Demonstrate the YMCA’s Four Character Development Principles—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—in interactions with staff, participants, and the public.

Benefits

Family YMCA membership with program discounts.
Paid sick time accruing at one hour for every 40 hours worked.
Medical, dental, and vision-related coverage is not specified; medical and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical or dependent care, long-term disability, and life insurance are offered. Employee-only medical coverage starts at $45 per month.
Ten paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation accruing at 7.66 hours per month, starting at 11 days per year.
Early Learning Child Care discounts: $400 per month for infant or toddler classrooms and $300 per month for preschool classrooms.
Up to two hours of Child Watch services per day, per child, while the employee is onsite and working.
Flexible schedules.
Retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after two years of service, subject to working 1,000 or more hours in each anniversary year.
Required training is free or YMCA-sponsored.