ECEAP Lead Early Education Teacher

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

About the role

We are seeking a Lead Teacher for our Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) classroom. This role is ideal for someone passionate and dedicated to providing children and their families with an excellent educational experience. You will work in a supportive environment with responsive leadership, phenomenal resources, and materials. As part of our team, you will help create a nurturing, child-centered environment through enrichment and activities, supporting children as they grow and learn.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate activities within the curriculum in accordance with the Youth Development goals of the YMCA.
• Responsible for the quality and completion of all classroom plans, including lesson, behavior, and event plans.
• Directs program to fit the needs of all children enrolled, considering their interests, behavior accommodations, and individual learning styles.
• Supervises a group of children to ensure their health, safety, and a positive experience for each child.
• Participates in a coaching and feedback process with Early Achievers and YMCA program quality groups.
• Provides guidance to staff/volunteers overseeing activities and observations of groups of children.
• Communicates professionally and maintains daily reports, confidential and evaluative information with parents/guardians, including newsletters, individual parent communication, and parent/teacher conferences.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergency procedures.
• May fill in for the Program Supervisor during short-term absences.
• Maintains a developmentally appropriate classroom, including appearance, décor, and cleanliness of the site.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Ensures staff are properly screened, trained, supervised, and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Experience working with children in the same age group as those to be supervised.
• Completion of minimum STARS-required training.*
• Associate or higher degree in any field, plus 30 credits in Early Childhood Education, or a current Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsement in Early Childhood Education (PreK - Grade 3) or Early Childhood Special Education.
• Knowledge of culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Cleared Portable Background Check in the statewide registry, MERIT.**
• Pre-employment TB test and MMR vaccination required (provided at no cost).

Benefits

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
• Retirement with generous employer contributions.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire.
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp, and outdoor leadership programs (25% for part-time staff, 50% for full-time staff).

Pay

$24.00 - $28.50 per hour, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time position, Monday - Friday. Shift times vary between 6:45 AM - 6:15 PM. Positions available at our Bellevue and Redmond locations.

Skills

• Thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Highly adaptable with strong ownership and work ethic.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
• Enjoys being of service to people and working as part of a caring team.
• Passionate about contributing to building a better, stronger community.