Preschool Lead Teacher

Overview: Do you dream of a teaching environment where your creativity knows no bounds? Are you a strong leader who is passionate about making a positive impact in early childhood education, from day one? Join us at Inicio Playschool as an lead preschool educator and enjoy the freedom to shape curriculum, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds!

Who we are: We are a local, Director/owner operated school and not being tied to a corporate entity or a franchise enables us to give our teachers the opportunities and support they need to be the best Educator they can be! We are currently hiring for a lead preschool classroom teacher.

General Description: As an Lead Preschool Educator at Inicio Playschool you must possess a unique blend of patience, creativity, flexibility, and a genuine passion for teaching. You must be an experienced preschool teacher with demonstrated leadership abilities to effectively manage classroom dynamics, support smooth transitions, and foster the development of consistent routines for preschool-aged children. You are required to communicate, demonstrate empathy, and foster positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. With strong observational skills, you will tailor your teaching to meet the individual needs of each child, while also working effectively as part of a team. You must be committed to continuous learning and professional development, and create a supportive and engaging learning environment where children can thrive and grow.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage classroom dynamics, support smooth transitions, and foster the development of consistent routines for preschool-aged children.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities to promote the physical, language, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment that encourages children's exploration, creativity, and independence.
• Interact with children frequently, affectionately, and respectfully at all times. Promote positive social skills and redirect inappropriate behaviors using positive discipline techniques.
• Observe and assess each child's development and progress, and communicate regularly with parents/guardians through daily reports and create individualized goals.
• Collaborate with other teachers to ensure smooth operation of the classroom and adherence to licensing standards and regulations.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, promoting a sense of community and teamwork at the school.
• Keep the classrooms and school spaces tidy & clean, help serve and clean up lunch and snacks. Change children’s diapers and/or assist with toileting (where necessary).
• Responsible for having their own professional development progress, including in-service training hours, documented annually in MERIT.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least eighteen years old and at-least a high school diploma or equivalent [Before Hire]
• At-least TWO years of experience teaching preschool. [Before Hire]
• Registered in MERIT, including cleared background check [Before Hire]
• An Early Childhood Education (ECE) initial certificate or equivalent within five years of being hired and an ECE short certificate or equivalent within two years of receiving an ECE initial certificate.
• All ECE certificates or equivalent qualifications must be approved and verified in MERIT.
• 30 hours of childcare basics (STARS) or equivalent. [At Hire, Prior to Start Date]
• TB test in the last 12 months [At Hire, Prior to Start Date]
• Proof of MMR vaccine [At Hire, Prior to Start Date]
• First Aid/CPR/ Blood Borne Pathogens [At Hire, Prior to Start Date]
• Food Handlers Permit [At Hire, Prior to Start Date]
• Most importantly, a passion for early childhood education

Physical Demands: To perform the job, the employee must be able to lift and potentially carry a child weighing up to 50 pounds, push/pull, routinely kneel, bend, crouch, stoop and sit & rise from the floor for extended periods and stand, walk, and sit on child-sized chairs throughout the day.

Working Conditions: The work is typically performed in an early childhood school environment, with moderate to loud noise.

Location: This job is located in Ballard, Seattle. You must be able to reliable commute to the job site everyday during peak traffic times. Please enter our address in Google Maps to confirm. Generally, if you require traveling over 20 - 30 mins each way with traffic, this may not be the best fit for you.

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you meet the minimum requirements of the job i.e., those marked as BEFORE HIRE?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Preschool: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Seattle, WA 98107 (Required)

Work Location: In person