Preschool Lead Teacher 1 - $1,000 Sign On Bonus!

Launch•Seattle, WA

1d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Lead Teacher 1 or 2 provides a safe, caring, academically and socially enriching environment for preschool children. The role ensures activities are developmentally appropriate, follow curriculum guidelines, and address identified academic and developmental domains. In partnership with other Preschool Lead Teachers, this position plans and leads classroom activities focused on kindergarten readiness for children ages 3–5, using the HighScope program outline. The teacher completes observations, assessments, screenings, attendance records, and other reports; communicates with families and stakeholders; supports kindergarten transitions; and maintains a safe, clean classroom. The position also includes serving meals and snacks according to applicable food-safety standards, attending meetings and required training, and applying first aid or CPR and completing incident reports as needed. Launch provides preschool, after-school, and summer programs serving children ages 3–12 at Seattle public schools and community centers. The organization describes its work as promoting equitable access to high-quality learning and care, and states that it strives to be anti-racist and inclusive. A $1,000 sign-on bonus is offered: $500 after the first month of employment and $500 upon successful completion of 90 days.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed education pathways: an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field; or an associate degree or higher from an accredited college, verified in MERIT, with at least 20 ECE credits verified through MERIT. Up to 10 credits may be ECE-school-age hybrid credits.
Have at least 30 approved quarter credits in ECE verified through MERIT. Up to 10 credits may be ECE-school-age hybrid credits.
Have a minimum of three years of experience working with preschool children ages 3–5, including behavior management and age-appropriate activity planning.
Be able to lead staff in implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Be able to problem-solve, think strategically, and handle sensitive information and difficult situations tactfully and confidentially.
Exhibit cultural humility when working with staff and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lead by example and demonstrate behavior consistent with Launch's values, mission, and commitment to children, families, and employees.
Collaborate with on-site educators, colleagues, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality on-site programs.
Communicate effectively, professionally, and empathetically in writing and verbally.
Work effectively in a normal office environment; physical activities include walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing, and reaching, and regularly lifting items up to 25 pounds.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills, including maintaining a safe, clean, effectively managed worksite and complying with confidentiality policies for child, family, and employee information.
Be proficient with appropriate software, including MS Office and Procare.
Demonstrate eagerness to learn and enhance skills that promote equity and inclusion.
Obtain and maintain criminal record clearance.
Obtain TB clearance, a Food Worker Card, First Aid/CPR certification, Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV training, Mandated Reporter Training, and an MMR vaccination record.
Attend required training.
Complete the STARS Basic 30-hour Child Care course within one month of hire.
Complete Teaching Strategies Gold Interrater Reliability (IRR) certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Plan and lead classroom activities in partnership with other Preschool Lead Teachers, emphasizing kindergarten readiness for children ages 3–5.
Plan, prepare, implement, and clean up activities and projects using the HighScope program outline.
Enter weekly observations and complete quarterly assessments in TSG.
Provide positive behavior guidance and communicate expectations to children constructively.
Adapt to changes and modifications recommended by coaches and leadership and respond to trends in early childhood education.
Maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the center, including cleaning up after activities.
Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health food-safety standards and CACFP requirements.
Communicate with parents, site leadership, and other stakeholders about classroom activities, observations, and children's progress; prepare and schedule parent/teacher conferences.
Complete required reports and assessments, including observations, attendance records (DATTs), health screenings, and developmental screenings.
Use daily planning time to prepare developmentally appropriate student activities.
Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and required trainings, including State and Registry Service workshops.
Complete kindergarten transition forms and support kindergarten-readiness programs.
Enforce center safety rules; apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and use other health, safety, or life-saving procedures as needed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.