ECEAP Lead Teacher

Department: Early Learning | Location: Pasco, WA | Reports to: ECEAP Site Coordinator | FLSA Non-Exempt

About the Role

Educational Service District 123 is seeking qualified candidates for multiple Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) Lead Teacher positions in Pasco. The Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall care and planning for the classroom and individual children, including the learning environment, staff, and volunteers. The role focuses on providing a positive learning environment and varied experiences to support children's development in all areas, while collaborating with the assistant teacher to enhance parents' roles as primary influencers in their child's education and development.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess children's development, completing written observations throughout the year.
• Develop individualized learning plans for each child based on observations and maintain confidential records.
• Administer standardized screening tools within 90 days of school entry, completing re-screens and referrals as needed.
• Analyze and plan classroom curriculum based on children's developmental needs and interests.
• Provide an integrated, child-centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, meeting the needs of all children, including those with disabilities.
• Plan and develop a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities.
• Prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with ECEAP program performance standards.
• Design the learning environment to reflect the culture of children, families, staff, and community.
• Implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Build positive relationships with children to support their learning and emotional needs.
• Engage parents to encourage involvement in the educational program and their child's education journey.
• Conduct three hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child's family.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and materials.
• Assist with planning, preparation, and serving of snacks and meals; facilitate mealtime service and join children at the table.
• Administer first aid as needed and check indoor/outdoor environments for safety hazards.
• Work with Mental Health Professionals and Nurse Consultants as needed.
• Assist with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning for children and families, including staffing, multidisciplinary teams, and IEPs.
• Attend ESD 123 in-service trainings, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Teacher, families, and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families, including transitions to before/after-school care and between ECEAP and Kindergarten.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all applicable ESD 123 Board policies and ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate or higher degree in Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate (ECE); DCYF-approved equivalent; or High School Diploma or GED with an ESD 123-approved professional development plan (PDP) granting five years to become fully qualified.
• Cleared portable background check.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.
• At least 2-3 years of experience working in a preschool classroom or similar setting preferred.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.
• Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, staff, and volunteers in a diverse environment.
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings or trainings.
• Ability to supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.

Certifications and Licenses

• MERIT Portable Background Check (cleared before working directly with children).
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity.
• Completion of one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) skin test or treatment in accordance with WAC 110-300-0105(3).
• First aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Food Handler's Permit.

Traits

• Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of initiative.
• Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident yet humble, willing to share credit and emphasize team success.
• Hungry for learning, responsibility, and growth opportunities.
• Smart with strong interpersonal judgment and intuition around group dynamics.

Preferred mindset includes statements like:

• "Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I'll figure it out."
• "I am not sure, but I will find out for you."
• "I have not done that before, but I can do it."
• "I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach."

About Our Team and Agency

At ESD 123, we help students realize their dreams and aspirations by embracing employees as One Team. We operate with loyalty, commitment, compassion, dedication, and collaboration. Our Culture Playbook outlines the beliefs and behaviors we uphold to deliver the highest quality customer experience. We seek individuals who are passionate, eager to grow, and excited to contribute to a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

The role requires physical demands including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling (up to 35 pounds occasionally), as well as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fine finger dexterity. The job involves 15% sitting, 35% walking, and 50% standing, and is performed under some hazardous conditions.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8 hours per day, 180 days per year (late August to mid-June).

Pay

Hourly rate through August 31: $24.94 (step 1/year 1). Starting September 1: $25.59 (step 1/year 1) – $28.80 (step 5/year 5).

Paid once a month on the last working day. Gross monthly paycheck example for a full work year (180 days, 8 hours/day): $3,070.80 (step 1/year 1) – $3,456 (step 5/year 5). Amount may vary slightly based on hiring date.

Benefits

• On-the-job training opportunities.
• Full benefits, including SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance; WA DRS SERS retirement plan; medical reimbursement account; life and long-term disability insurance.
• Access to the agency's wellness program.
• Paid sick leave (10 days per full school year).
• Paid personal leave (up to 2 days per full school year).
• Typical school calendar with winter, spring, and summer breaks.