School-Age Program Lead & Center Support

About This Role

Building Blocks Child Care Center is looking for an energetic, dependable, and genuinely FUN person to join our team! Building Blocks has been serving Pullman families since 1998. We believe high-quality childcare starts with strong relationships, meaningful experiences, and teachers who are given the opportunity to bring their own talents and interests into the classroom. If you're the person who sees a group of elementary-aged kids and immediately starts thinking, "I know something fun we could do," we want to hear from you! Come help us make before and after school one of the best parts of their day. This is a great position for someone looking for a split-shift schedule, including college students, education majors, future teachers, experienced childcare professionals, or someone who simply loves working with school-age kids.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:15am-9:00am and 11:45-5:30pm (11:45-2:45 is optional). Before School: approximately 7:15–9:00 a.m. Preschool Support: approximately 11:45-2:45 p.m. (optional). After School: approximately 2:45–5:30 p.m. Applicant must be willing to be trained to drive a 12-passenger van to do before school drop-off and after school pick-up.

What You'll Do

Our school-age program isn't about keeping kids busy until their parents get off work. We want to create a place where elementary-aged children actually want to be before and after school. Think:

• Art and creative projects
• Outdoor games and active play
• STEM challenges and experiments
• Games, clubs, and special interests
• Homework support and quiet spaces
• Friendships and social-emotional learning
• Activities inspired by what the kids are actually interested in

The Position

We are hiring for a Before & After School Lead Teacher or Support Teacher, depending on experience, education, and DCYF qualifications.

As Our School-Age Lead, You'll

• Provide before school care to children grades K-5
• Serve breakfast
• Transport to school in our 12-passenger van to school
• Pick children up from school in our 12-passenger van
• Serve after school snack
• Assist with homework time
• Plan large motor outdoor/indoor activities
• Plan simple daily, afternoon lessons
• Be available to provide care for nonpublic school days and half days
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports
• Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling
• Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to childcare center
• Follow all center policies and state regulations
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement

As a Support Teacher, You'll

• Work alongside the Lead Teacher to keep the program running smoothly
• Actively engage with children rather than simply supervising from the sidelines
• Help with activities, transitions, meals/snacks, outdoor play, and classroom organization
• Build positive relationships with children and families
• Step in wherever the team needs you

We'd Love Someone Who Is

• Reliable and punctual
• Energetic and comfortable being actively involved with kids
• Creative and willing to bring new ideas to the program
• Able to provide structure while still having fun
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Patient, flexible, and able to manage the energy of a group of elementary-aged children
• Open to coaching, feedback, and continued professional growth

Qualifications

Applicants must be able to meet Washington State DCYF requirements applicable to their assigned position, including:

• Registration in MERIT (ECE professional development & workforce registry)
• Background Clearance through DCYF (Department of Youth Children and Families)
• Safe Sleep training certification
• Mandated Reporter training certification
• TB Test (negative results)
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Food Handlers Permit

Education & Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma and 1 year of group childcare experience

Training Requirements Within 90 Days of Hire

• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Child Care Basics Certification

Skill Requirements

• Able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to maintain an overall positive and professional disposition
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Effectively plan, organize and implement educational activities
• Demonstrable record of making decisions on behalf of children with their well-being the top priority
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools, or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl and lift up to 30 lbs
• A valid driver's license

Lead Teacher Applicants

Previous experience working with children in a childcare, school, recreation, camp, coaching, or similar setting is strongly preferred. Applicants must meet, or be able to work toward, applicable DCYF Lead Teacher education requirements.

Benefits

• Sick Leave
• Professional Development