ECEAP Lead Teacher

Job Summary

Join our dedicated early childhood education team as an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) Teacher!

The ECEAP Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool program that supports children's learning, health, family engagement, and school readiness. The Lead Teacher creates a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom while implementing the Washington State Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) Performance Standards and DCYF licensing requirements. The Lead Teacher partners closely with families, Family Support Staff, and community agencies to support the whole child.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesClassroom Instruction

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with ECEAP Performance Standards and Washington Early Learning and Development Guidelines.
• Develop weekly lesson plans based on children's interests, assessments, and developmental needs.
• Provide a classroom environment that reflects children's cultures, languages, families, and abilities.
• Promote school readiness through play-based learning.
• Foster children's social-emotional development using positive behavior supports.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure children's health and safety at all times.

Child Assessment

• Complete developmental screenings and ongoing child assessments.
• Observe, document, and evaluate each child's developmental progress.
• Use assessment data to individualize instruction and plan learning experiences.
• Maintain accurate child portfolios and documentation.

Family Engagement

• Build respectful partnerships with families.
• Conduct family conferences and participate in home visits as required by ECEAP.
• Encourage family participation in classroom activities.
• Work collaboratively with Family Support Staff to address family goals and needs.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with DCYF licensing regulations.
• Monitor children's health and wellness.
• Follow all emergency procedures.
• Administer medications according to program policies (if authorized).
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.

Classroom Management

• Supervise Assistant Teachers, Aides, Volunteers, and Practicum Students.
• Maintain classroom schedules and daily routines.
• Ensure classrooms remain clean, organized, and welcoming.
• Order classroom supplies and maintain inventory.

Collaboration

• Attend staff meetings and ECEAP team meetings.
• Work collaboratively with Family Support Staff, Health Advocates, Specialists, and Administration.
• Participate in multidisciplinary planning meetings.

Professional Responsibilities

• Complete required DCYF and ECEAP training.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Complete annual professional development.
• Participate in coaching and reflective supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality of children and families.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet Washington State ECEAP Lead Teacher qualifications, including one of the following:

• Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or
• A DCYF-approved equivalent credential.

If the best candidate does not yet meet these qualifications, they may be hired if they have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent) and are placed on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to meet the required qualifications within five years.

Required Certifications

• Washington State DCYF Background Check
• TB screening
• Proof of MMR immunization or immunity
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Food Handler Permit (if applicable)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development ages 3–5
• Experience implementing developmentally appropriate practices
• Strong classroom management skills
• Excellent communication and family engagement skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices
• Computer proficiency for documentation and child assessments
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently bend, squat, kneel, and sit on the floor.
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Respond quickly to emergencies.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Previous ECEAP or Head Start experience
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities
• Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD, Creative Curriculum, or similar assessment and curriculum systems

Performance Expectations

The ECEAP Lead Teacher will:

• Maintain compliance with all ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
• Build strong partnerships with families.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Meet program quality goals and licensing requirements.

This position is expected to fulfill the competencies outlined for ECEAP lead teachers, including observing and assessing children, planning individualized curriculum, designing culturally responsive learning environments, implementing developmentally appropriate activities, building relationships with families, and engaging families as partners in their child's education.

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching

Work Location: In person