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 opportunity is ideal for someone passionate and dedicated to providing children and their families with an excellent educational experience. You will work in a supportive and caring environment with a responsive leadership team and access to phenomenal resources and materials. Be part of an amazing team that provides a learning environment where children feel secure, comfortable, and important. You will help create a nurturing, child-centered environment through enrichment and activities while supporting children as they grow and learn.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate activities within the curriculum in accordance with the Youth Development goals of the YMCA.
• Ultimately responsible for the quality and completion of all classroom plans, including lesson, behavior, and event plans.
• Direct the program to fit the needs of all children enrolled, including their interests, behavior accommodations, and individual learning styles.
• Supervise a group of children to ensure their health and safety and to provide a positive experience for each child.
• Participate in a coaching and feedback process with Early Achievers and YMCA program quality groups.
• Provide guidance to staff or volunteers overseeing activities and observations of groups of children.
• Professionally communicate and maintain daily reports, confidential and evaluative information with parents or guardians, including newsletters, individual parent communication, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergency procedures.
• May fill in for the Program Supervisor during short-term absences.
• Maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom, including appearance, décor, and cleanliness of the site.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Experience working with children the same age 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 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, Monday–Friday. Shift times vary between 6:45 AM–6:15 PM.

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements. Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised, and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.