Early ECEAP Lead Teacher
Full-Time, Regular Status, FLSA Nonexempt, Full Benefits
Location: Auburn, WA; South King County
$21.44 – $27.18 hourly
(Dependent on years of applicable experience)

SIGN-ON BONUS: Up to $1200
1/3 immediately; 2/3 after one (1) year (terms and conditions apply)


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

ABOUT CHILDHAVEN
For over 110 years Childhaven has been a leader in serving children, families, and communities that have experienced trauma and adversity. In the past few years, we have been adding services and locations, becoming more community-based, and forming partnerships to increase our impact. In June 2020, Childhaven consolidated with Renton Area Youth and Family Services (RAYS) and Art with Heart, which further expanded our capacity to better serve more children, families, and communities. By combining our legacy of healing-centered care, with the expertise of our new partners, Childhaven is building a continuum of care model that is unlike any other in the Puget Sound Region.

We are proud to be a values-driven organization that serves families from diverse communities. Our values are the compass we use to get us there. They guide us in the way we treat each other, the decisions we make, and the success we achieve. Values are the touchstones to chart and guide our behavior, and reflect our commitment to:

  • 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.

Going forward, we are embarking on a new and very ambitious strategic impact plan to further strengthen programs, expand impact, and embrace innovation. In the next five years our goals are to double the number of locations and quadruple the number of children and families we are serving - all while developing and strengthening partnerships with other community-based organizations, referral sources, government agencies, and universities. In so doing, we are opening doors to a host of new roles and opportunities within the organization. And that’s where you come in.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Early ECEAP Lead Teacher provides infants and toddlers 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.

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • 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 teachers.
  • 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 toward goals that 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 environments for safety hazards. Works in collaboration with the 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 staffings, 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 to before- and afterschool
  • Responsible to keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
  • Complies with Childhaven policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • The equivalent of 12 college quarter credits*; OR,
  • A current Child Development Associate (CDA) awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.
    • Staff who do not meet Standard Qualifications may be hired if there is a Professional Development Plan submitted that describes how the individual will obtain full qualifications within five (5) years of appointment.
  • First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
  • Food and Beverage Handler’s Permit within 30 days of hire.
  • Completion of a one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) test, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months.
  • Able to participate as positive, productive team member of the site’s multidisciplinary team.
  • Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschoolers.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, 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 occasionally 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 credit 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.
    1. 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 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 ages birth to 8.
  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! In addition to position specific qualifications, preferable skills include:

  • Bilingual English/Spanish highly desired.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.