Lead Teacher – Head Start
Full-time, Regular Status, FLSA Nonexempt
Location: Burien, WA
$21.44 – $27.14 hourly
10-month schoolyear program
SIGN-ON BONUS: Up to $1200 (terms and conditions apply)

Childhaven is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are upholding this by recruiting candidates of every race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender or gender identity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, and all other historically marginalized and excluded communities other protected status as provided by law.  Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are highly encouraged to apply!

ABOUT CHILDHAVEN
We are proud to be a values-driven organization that serves families from diverse communities. Our values guide us in the way we treat each other, the decisions we make, and the success we achieve. The following are the values guide our work:

• TEAMWORK:   Relationships come first.
• EQUITY:           There’s infinite value in every human.
• EXCELLENCE:   Constructively dissatisfied with the status quo.
• DEDICATION:   Do more. Do better.
• RESPECT:         Meet people where they are.
• REFLECTION:   Feelings Matter. Stepping back and exploring possibilities.

Childhaven is a leader in serving children, families, and communities that have experienced trauma and adversity. We are building a continuum of care model that is growing to respond to the changing needs of families by combining our legacy of healing-centered care, with the expertise of community partners. Going forward, we are embarking on a new and ambitious strategic impact plan to further strengthen programs, expand impact, and embrace innovation.

ABOUT YOU
You are a passionate and dedicated individual who shares our vision: To help ensure that all children are safe and healthy; thriving physically, socially emotionally and educationally; and well nurtured by family and by their community.  You too are constructively dissatisfied with the status quo. You are equal parts learner, leader and mentor and see around the corners of a challenge, replaying the question of “What if…” with a reply of “Why not…” If this sounds like you, then we want to meet, get to know you, and talk more about the positive impact we could have together.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Childhaven is seeking a dynamic Lead Teacher to support us in achieving our mission, vision, goals, and values. Above all, the selected candidate will bring enthusiasm for helping us build and support a passionate and skilled workforce of diverse professionals who make significant positive impacts in the lives of children, families, and communities. Currently located in our Creekmore location in Burien, this position will report to the Early Learning Program Director.

The Lead Teacher provides preschoolers with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop in all domains in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with the Assistant Teacher and site team to enhance the parent’s role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development. This position follows a schoolyear calendar.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Contributes to the development of communicating mutual respect, mutual support, competence, and creativity among all members of the Head Start and ECEAP staff.
• Provides leadership, mentorship, and support to Assistant Teacher(s).
• In collaboration with other site staff, supports and participates in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
• 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. Provides an integrated, child-centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.
• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional needs.
• Collaborates with Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom program.
• Communicates regularly and respectfully with families and involves them in the educational program. Encourages and supports families in working towards goals they have set for themselves. Collaborates with site team in planning and facilitating family events/meetings. When working with diverse populations, accesses interpreters.
• Conducts four (4) hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child’s family.
• Completes written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develops a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry. Maintains complete confidential records on each child.
• Administers standardized screening tools on every child within 90 days of school entry. Rescreens and refers as necessary.
• Assists with planning, preparation, and serving of snacks and meals; participates in and facilitates mealtime service, and joins children at the table for support and conversation.
• Teaches and oversees health habits in the classroom (i.e., handwashing, toothbrushing, etc.). Administers first aid as needed. Checks indoor and outdoor environment for safety hazards. Works in collaboration with Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
• Supervises, trains, and supports preschool teaching assistants. Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.
• Participates in interdisciplinary planning for children and families to include staffing, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans, and other cross-component coordination efforts.
• Participates in in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year.
• In collaboration with Assistant Teacher, families and site team, ensures smooth transitions for children and families before and after school.
• Responsible to keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
• Complies with Childhaven policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree or higher with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits* in Early Childhood Education. These 30 credits may be included in the degree or in addition to it.
• May have a CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements of a CDA credential with a focus on Infant and Toddler Development.
• Fingerprinting and background check.
• Able to obtain First Aid and CPR certification with 90 days of hire.
• Able to obtain Food & Beverage Handler’s Permit within 30 days of hire.
• Completion of a one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) skin test, or written proof of a negative test within 12 months prior to hire.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers and relate positively to staff and volunteers in a diverse environment.
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
• Ability to perform basic clerical tasks such as recordkeeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

*C-5 College Credit
When college credit is required for ECEAP staff, the following applies:

1. College credit must be earned from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. 1 college semester credit = 1.5 college quarter credits.
3. Staff may replace up to 1/3 of required college credits with workshop hours related to the job description, at the rate of ten (10) classroom hours to one (1) college credit. This does not apply to requirements for a college degree. Acceptable workshop hours are Washington State Training and Registry System (STARS) approved training. Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) approved clock hours, in-service training, conferences, or training provided by agencies specializing in professional development.
4. Credit counted for staff qualifications, such as specific 12 or 30 credit requirements for Teachers and Family Support Specialists must be directly related to the job description.
5. Early Childhood Education (ECE) credit is coursework with content closely related to the Washington State STARS Core Competencies and predominantly address children from birth to 8 years old.
6. Staff requirements for an Associate’s degree allow any “two-year” community or technical college degree of 90 quarter credits or more, including degrees designated as AA, AAS, AAS-T, ATA, or AD.
7. Equivalent degrees and credentials from other states and countries are accepted.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
We are dedicated to recruiting candidates who reflect the diversity and lived experiences of the communities we serve. Multilingual and multicultural candidates are encouraged to apply!

COMPENSATION
Childhaven has committed to equitable compensation practices, including pre-determining what roles require and the qualities needed from the individual that will fill the role. To achieve this, Childhaven uses a grade and step approach to determine the compensation of each team member.

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

• We believe in a fully transparent hiring process.
• We offer a comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance. Expanded benefits include a flexible spending account (FSA), healthcare reimbursement account, and 403(b) savings program. A full listing of benefits is available.
• Opportunities to attend a wide variety of trainings on clinical and educational topics, advocacy, and more.
• 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. As a member of Childhaven staff, you’ll be encouraged to contribute to community engagement strategies and our antiracism council, which makes ongoing recommendations to ensure that our programs and protocols are doing their part to dismantle systemic racism.

Childhaven values organizational culture and professional development. Team members at Childhaven have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge through the following:

• Trainings
• Project work groups
• Clinical and/or reflective supervision
• Community advocacy and engagement
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Racial Equity Council (DIREC)

NOTE
***HOW TO APPLY***

Please apply through our website. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or selection process, please let us know.

This position will be open until filled; applicants are encouraged to apply. In addition to completing the application online, please attach a resume and cover letter when prompted.

Childhaven would like to get an accurate understanding of each applicant’s experience and interest.

MORE INFORMATION
COVID -19: “Due to the amending Proclamation (20-05) (21-14) by Governor Inslee, Childhaven employees are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 for the protection of the clients we serve. Medical and religious exemptions are acceptable to the extent of the law for those entitled under the ADA, Title VII, THE WLAD and/or if there is a sincerely held religious belief accommodation to the requirements of this Order. Requests for these exemptions are required.”