Extended Day Program Teacher

Department: Infant-Toddler Education Program (The Studio) Status: Part Time All UCDS employees are expected to embody the school’s mission to design a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning; cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities; and engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model. Overview University Child Development School (UCDS) located in Seattle, Washington is an independent school serving 390+ Infant-Toddler, Early Elementary (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st through 5th grade) students. In addition, the UCDS education institution comprises the UCDS Graduate School of Education. UCDS uniquely serves to prepare teachers, educate children, and develop innovations in curriculum and teaching. UCDS’s unique design as a place where both teachers and children learn, where early-career teachers develop their practice, and where experienced teachers research and design curriculum, gives rise to its innovation. The Master of Education program is the evolution of UCDS’ deep history of developing and supporting exceptional educators. The UCDS Infant-Toddler Program (also known as The Studio), an innovative Reggio-inspired program, is seeking an Extended Day Program (EDP) teacher to join our teaching team as a part-time, hourly employee. This is a great opportunity for college and high school students! Who We Are Located in the University District of Seattle, Washington and within walking distance of the University of Washington, the UCDS Studio is an early learning program serving students ages 6 weeks to 4 years old. The Studio allows our youngest students the opportunity to learn through play, investigation, and discovery. With an emphasis on communication and cooperation, learning also occurs through relationships with others, and we design experiences that support children to see themselves as active participants who make an impact in their communities. Position Summary The Extended Day Program Teacher helps sustain the UCDS Studio’s Reggio-inspired approach to early learning, giving infants and toddlers a consistent, play-based environment to explore, discover, and grow as active participants in their community. This role supports UCDS’s broader educational mission by extending the Studio’s relationship-centered care and instruction into full daily coverage for its youngest students. The Teacher works under the direction of Special Programs, exercising judgment in daily caregiving and classroom support, and holds no supervisory responsibility. What You’ll Do — Essential Responsibilities The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this position and do not represent an exhaustive list. UCDS is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity. The job description may be revised at UCDS’s discretion to reflect those changes. Supports Special Programs team in facilitating classroom activities, fostering a safe and positive learning environment for students. Facilitates play-based, inquiry-driven learning experiences aligned with the program’s Reggio-inspired approach. Prepares and maintains classroom materials and environment to support exploration, discovery, and student engagement. Cultivates meaningful, trusting relationships with students to support their social and emotional development. Monitors children’s health and safety at all times, responding promptly to needs or concerns. Provides attentive daily care for young children, including diapering, feeding, dressing, and rest routines, to support their health, comfort, and development. Communicates regularly with parents and families regarding their child’s day, needs, and wellbeing. Implements all policies and procedures established under The Studio educational philosophy, licensing regulations, The Studio Handbook, and The Studio Health and Safety Policies Handbook to ensure regulatory compliance and student safety. Performs other duties as assigned. What You’ll Bring — Essential Qualifications The items listed below are the minimum requirements for this position. UCDS values both work experience and education and recognizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge. Education & Experience No specific education requirement; enrollment in or completion of high school required given minimum age requirement. Experience working with children preferred.Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of this position will be considered. Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of a teaching team. Demonstrated ability to remain patient and composed while supporting young children’s needs. Knowledge of or interest in Reggio Emilia–inspired early learning approaches, including play-based and inquiry-driven instruction. Demonstrated ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with children, parents, and staff. Demonstrated ability to accept direction and feedback constructively. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing assignments, including shifts in classroom, duties, or routines.Demonstrated ability to provide attentive, responsive care to infants and young children. Licenses & Certifications Current First Aid and CPR certification, or obtained within three months of employment. Must pass Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and Washington State Patrol (WSP) background checks. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Work Environment The physical demands and work conditions described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Regularly stands, walks, and moves throughout classrooms, hallways, offices, and outdoor spaces for extended periods during the workday. Frequently sits, kneels, bends, or works at floor level to engage with children, particularly in infant, toddler, and early childhood settings. Occasionally lifts and carries items up to 40 lbs, such as classroom supplies, furniture, or equipment; may lift or carry a child in the course of care, comfort, or an emergency. Regularly supervises children in indoor and outdoor settings. Works outdoors in a range of weather conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest, including rain, cold, and sun, for recess, outdoor play, or outdoor instruction. May supervise or accompany students on field trips or off-site programming, including walking, standing, or riding in a vehicle for extended periods. Works in environments with variable noise levels, including active classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds. Uses computers, phones, and standard office or classroom equipment for communication, instruction, and administrative tasks. May be required to respond to emergency situations, including assisting with evacuation or providing physical support to children or colleagues. Maintains a regular, predictable on-site schedule, with some roles requiring early morning, evening, or extended hours based on programming needs. May be exposed to bodily fluids, including urine and feces, in the course of diapering or toilet-training assistance, and follows UCDS health and safety protocols in doing so. Positions requiring driving on behalf of UCDS must hold a valid driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance meeting UCDS’s minimum coverage requirements, and pass a UCDS-required driving record review; continued employment in such positions may be contingent on maintaining an acceptable driving record. Additional Requirements Meet the school’s standard when completing all background screenings. Typical Hours & Compensation Monday-Friday, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm, with the possibility of full-day substitute teaching as needed. This is a great position for students or those exploring a career in early childhood education. The pay rate for this position is $24/hour. We are particularly looking for people who can work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. How To Apply We are currently scheduling interviews for this position. To apply, click the “Apply Now” button to submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your prior experience working with children and interest in working at UCDS Studio with infants, toddlers and young preschoolers. Apply now Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging UCDS aspires to be a welcoming learning community with a deep commitment and appreciation for diversity in all forms. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central values at UCDS. From our youngest to our oldest students, we strive to help them develop a worldview that identifies, understands, and values diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and more. We weave opportunities for these meaningful conversations, experiences, and learning throughout students’ days. Over the past few years, UCDS has continued to refine our approach and review our DEIB programming to continue to improve the ways we support students, parents, and employees by bringing an equity lens to academic and operational systems across the school. We encourage members of marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of other underrepresented groups, to apply and potentially become a part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive educational environment. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement UCDS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Physical requirements and job duties listed in this posting are essential to the role. If you believe you need an accommodation to perform these functions, we encourage you to apply and discuss potential accommodations with our team. If you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact hr@ucds.org. Notice of Nondiscrimination UCDS strives to provide equal opportunity to all employees. The school’s policy is not to discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status or any other status protected under applicable local, state or federal law. The School is committed to administering employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, terminations, training, sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and other programs, without regard to an employee’s protected status. All applicants for UCDS employment, both paid and volunteer positions, are subject to criminal background checks.