Lead Toddler Teacher - Early Learning Center

Position Summary

The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for all teaching, organization, and supervision within the area of assigned responsibility, creating and maintaining a fun, safe, and age-appropriate preschool learning environment under the supervision of the Director and Assistant Director. Provide instruction to students using the established curriculum of King’s Early Learning Center. Work together with the Assistant Teacher to develop and maintain a high-quality program that enhances the mission of King’s Schools and CRISTA Ministries. Foster a classroom culture in which the children learn, grow, and thrive socially and spiritually. Implement the standards set forth by Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Spiritual Instruction

• Begin each school day with a short, age-appropriate devotional.
• Teach weekly Bible lessons through simple Bible stories, songs, prayer, and daily interactions.
• Incorporate and reinforce the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) through daily interactions and classroom activities.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Provide nurturing, positive instruction aligned with the curriculum.
• Plan instruction on annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily timelines.
• Create, maintain, and implement a written classroom behavior plan aligned with King’s ELC behavior management goals.

Staff Collaboration and Professional Leadership

• Establish and maintain a collaborative, well-functioning classroom team with the Assistant Teacher.
• Appropriately delegate responsibilities to the Assistant Teacher and provide guidance and feedback as needed.
• Work collaboratively with administration, colleagues, and support staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, open houses, parent events, and special programs.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a calm demeanor in a busy, open environment.
• Be available to colleagues for collaboration, problem-solving, and support.

Student and Parent Communication

• Observe, assess, and document student progress toward established developmental standards.
• Communicate daily with families through verbal updates and written communication.
• Provide weekly classroom updates to parents and administration.
• Collaborate with parents and administration to address student needs and concerns.
• Prepare student observations and written progress reports as required.
• Be available and prepared for parent-teacher conferences.

Classroom Environment and Compliance

• Maintain a classroom environment that is safe, organized, age-appropriate, and conducive to learning.
• Arrange classroom materials and spaces to support curriculum goals and student success.
• Follow guidelines for classroom displays and posted information.
• Know, follow, and comply with all state licensing regulations and policies affecting the classroom.
• Provide responsive care including feeding, diapering, toileting support, and rest time routines.

Essential Qualifications

• Christ-Centered: Belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
• A committed Christian who is dedicated to continued spiritual growth and development as evidenced through a growing personal walk with God (e.g. daily spiritual rhythms of prayer, fellowship, Bible study, etc.).
• Prayfully seeks God’s will in their own lives and in their ministry at CRISTA.
• Engages our ministry including staff and colleagues through prayer, participation in spiritual practices, leading devotionals and other spiritual practices.
• Affirms, aligns with and supports CRISTA’s Statement of Faith and Christian Community Representative Statement (CCC).
• Demonstrates the values of a CRISTA leader.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education as well as a Short Certificate (20 credits) or equivalent or working towards the certificate.

Experience

• Two years of experience working with children of this age group as a Lead Teacher.

Licenses / Certifications

• Washington state required 30-hour basic training.
• Infant/Child CPR and first aid.
• Food handlers’ card.
• Proof of negative TB test.
• Proof of MMR vaccination.
• HIV and blood borne pathogen training.
• Other certifications as deemed necessary by the state for work in a licensed childcare facility.

Software / Equipment Knowledge

• Microsoft Word, Excel, Computer Technology experience, Office 365, Teams, OneNote.

Other Considerations

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A calm, positive demeanor is required as well as a patient child-centered temperament.
• Able to work collaboratively with supervisor, coworkers, students and their parents.
• Able to pass background checks relating to DSHS Secretary’s List of Crimes and Negative Actions. (WAC 388-113).

Statement of Non-Discrimination

CRISTA is a Christian, religious organization that lives out its faith-based mission through five ministries: CRISTA Camps, CRISTA Media, CRISTA Senior Living, King’s Schools, and World Concern. As permitted by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, CRISTA reserves the right to prefer employees of a particular religion and to require its employees to hold certain religious beliefs, engage in certain religious observances, and engage in or refrain from engaging in certain behavior, based on CRISTA’s religious beliefs. CRISTA’s employees must agree with and support without reservation CRISTA’s Statement of Faith and must conduct themselves in accordance with the religious beliefs and practices that flow from that Statement of Faith and CRISTA’s Christian Community Policy. Among those employees and employment applicants who agree with and support without reservation and abide by the Statement of Faith and CRISTA’s Christian Community Policy, CRISTA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.