About VOAWW:

Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. Volunteers of America Western Washington is officially a designated CARE trauma informed organization.

Benefits (Full time)

• Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours
• Competitive compensation
• Holidays: 8 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
• Free Employee Assistance program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Professional Development opportunities

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The lead teacher is directly responsible for the care and education of the preschool children enrolled in his/her classroom.  The lead teacher works year round. The lead teacher demonstrates competency in:

• planning curriculum and designing the indoor and outdoor learning environments based upon knowledge of child development, best practice, emergent curriculum and individualized instruction.
• observing, documenting, and assessing children’s growth and development.
• implementing and supervising age and developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive learning activities.
• planning and implementing positive guidance strategies designed to meet the individual needs of the children in care; address children’s unmet needs; support positive child outcomes; communicate and partner with the child’s family,
• connecting families to professional resources and services when needed or desired.
• building and sustaining warm, responsive, and positive relationships with all children and families so parents feel welcome and invited to engage and participate in classroom activities.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES:

• Lead the planning and implementation of preschool activities for young children in accordance with Volunteers of America’s policies and procedures.
• Observe, record, and assess each child’s growth and development for the purpose of planning individualized activities to meet the unique needs and interests of every child enrolled in his/her classroom.
• Provide a safe and healthy learning environment for young children; promoting health, wellness and nutrition through age and developmentally appropriate educational activities.
• Make appropriate child referrals as needed or appropriate
• Assist parents in increasing their knowledge, understanding, skills and experience surrounding child growth, development and learning; supporting them as their child’s first and most influential teacher.
• Involve and engage families/parents in program planning and activities.
• Establish and sustain positive relationships with children, parents, service agencies, volunteers, community partners, and co-workers.
• Maintain attendance, meal count, parent contact hours, accidents, and illness records.
• Establish, implement, and review plans for transitioning children into kindergarten..
• Attend parent/family events and activities.
• Attend and actively participate in all site-based, agency staff meetings and in-service trainings.
• Supervise, coach and mentor assistant teachers, student-interns, parent and community volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned by the program manager/site coordinator and/or program director.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

All persons serving in the role of Early Learning Lead Teacher must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Associate or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in Early Childhood Education. 
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-Grade 3) or Early Childhood Special Education.

All employees are required to obtain the following prior to working in the classroom.

• Current infant, child and adult first aid/CPR certification
• HIV/AIDS and Blood-Borne Pathogens training
• Portable background check
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• TB test
• Food handler’s card

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.