Childhaven teachers are a special kind of educator. They believe that early learning programs can improve the lives of all children and families, especially those with the highest needs. They view early education as a tool for social change that can impact entire communities. Working with kids in our classrooms every day, teachers represent the core of our services for children and families.

Childhaven seeks a Lead Teacher for its ECEAP classroom in Federal Way. Collaborating with the Assistant Teacher, the Lead ECEAP Teacher provides enrolled preschool children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will support their development across all domains. They also help enhance the skills and capacity of enrolled parents.

And, of course, ECEAP teachers get lots of quality time with kids like these!

This is a full-time position for 10 months out of each year.

Requirements for Lead ECEAP teachers:

• You have an associate or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in early childhood education, OR you have a valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood education (Pre-K-Grade 3) or Early Childhood Special Education
• Knowledge of early childhood development, with an ability to foster relationships with parents and preschool-aged children from diverse populations.
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
• You will submit to and pass Childhaven’s drug screen and background check, and possess a portable background check through the Washington Department of Early Learning.
• Your current certifications include First Aid, Child/Infant CPR, HIV & Blood borne Pathogens and you have a MERIT identification number.
• You have a Food and Beverage Handler’s Permit, or can get one within 90 days of hire.

Childhaven serves families from diverse communities and we are committed to recruiting candidates who reflect this diversity. Multilingual and multicultural candidates are highly encouraged to apply!

Every role at Childhaven makes an impact! Lead ECEAP teacher responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Planning: Plans and develops a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities. Prepares and implements lesson plans in accordance with the ECEAP program performance standards and program service plans.

• Daily Classroom Management: Provides an integrated, child-centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities. Works with Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials. Develops a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry.

• Assessment and Recordkeeping: Administers standardized screening tools and develops a learning plan for every child within 90 days of school entry. Refers to other services as needed. Completes written observations of individual children throughout the year. Maintains complete confidential records on each child.

• Family Support: Communicates regularly and respectfully with families and involves them in the educational program. Conducts three hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child’s family. Also works with site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families to before and after-school care and between ECEAP and kindergarten. Occasionally visits parents in their homes.

• Health Supervision: Teaches and oversees health habits in the classroom, i.e. handwashing, tooth brushing, etc. Administers first aid as needed.

• Leadership: Provides leadership and support to assistant teachers. Trains and supports preschool teaching assistants. Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.

• Interdisciplinary Staffings: Participates in interdisciplinary planning for children and families to include staffings, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans and other cross-component coordination efforts.

We strive to make Childhaven a great place to work by living our values: Teamwork, Equity, Excellence, Dedication, and Respect. Here’s a little bit about what we offer our staff:

• We believe in fully transparent hiring practices. Lead ECEAP Teachers are paid $18.50/hour
• We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance. Expanded benefits include a flexible spending account, education reimbursement and a 403(b) savings program with employer contributions. A full listing of benefits is available.
• No matter what your role is, you'll get opportunities to attend a wide variety of trainings on clinical and education topics, advocacy, management skills, and more. We also work hard to make sure that you have a mentor—a person who's helping you grow professionally.
• We’re dedicated to serving the full range of cultural diversity in our community, and to providing families with care that’s relevant to them and their values. As a member of Childhaven staff, you’ll be encouraged to contribute to community engagement strategies and to serve on our Racial Equity Team, which makes ongoing recommendations to ensure that our programs and protocols are doing their part to dismantle systemic racism.

Want to join our team? Submit a resume and a cover letter!