Day Care Lead Teacher - 12 MTH

This position is for the 2025-26 School Year

GROUP: Classified

SALARY:CLS Early Learning ChildcareSalary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 241

HOLIDAYS:20

SUMMARY:

The Lead Teacher plans and implements a developmentally appropriate early learning program for children in accordance with educational goals emphasizing cultural relevance positive behavior supports and child development across multiple domains. This position supports students through trauma-informed and inclusive practices incorporating Tribal culture and language into daily instruction.

ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS:

Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup Tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200 tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops weekly lesson plans and annual curriculum inclusive of tribal culture core academic domains (math literacy science social studies) motor development and nutrition.
• Considers individual childrens cultural socio-economic and developmental needs.
• Upholds positive discipline practices and treats all children with dignity and respect.
• Guides and utilizes paraeducators support staff and volunteers effectively.
• Participates in staff meetings and provides input through team reports.
• Supports ongoing developmental assessments and collaborates on student support plans.
• Engages in community outreach professional development and fundraising as requested.
• Collaborates with specialists and external service providers (e.g. Birth to Six program).
• Designs intentional classroom environments and outdoor learning spaces.
• Models and supports good table manners during mealtime supervision.
• Shares housekeeping responsibilities to maintain a clean learning environment.
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Attends required language and culture classes and special needs trainings.
• Implements accommodations and individualized interventions in collaboration with administrators and families.
• Ensures a warm supportive and culturally grounded classroom environment.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and two years of experience in a teaching role;
• OR a related degree and two years of experience with willingness to obtain a State Early Childhood Education Certificate within three years of hire

• Must complete Basic STARS training within one year of hire.

• Must complete all three steps of the WA State Stackable Certificates (47 credits) within three years of hire and meet all milestone requirements during that time.

• Proof of qualifications must be included in the application for consideration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Progress toward or possession of a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience working with diverse and at-risk child populations.
• Warm culturally sensitive and trauma-informed classroom presence.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful criminal background clearance.
• Successful and/or clear drug screening.
• Proof of CPR First Aid certification and TB test within two weeks of hire.
• Valid Food Handlers Permit.
• WA DCYF Safe Sleep Training completion.
• Maintain current immunizations and attend all required trainings.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication collaboration and classroom management skills.
• Commitment to the well-being and holistic development of all children.
• Ability to model professionalism ethical conduct and cultural humility.
• Familiarity with child development inclusive practices and family engagement.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergencies.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:Reports to the Building Principal or Designee

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent movement including standing walking bending kneeling and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather and varied environmental conditions.
• Regular visual and auditory engagement with students.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is primarily performed in a classroom or outdoor learning setting.
• Moderate to high noise levels due to frequent interaction with young children.
• Requires constant engagement and supervision of children.

Chief Leschi Schools is an Equal Opportunity /M/F/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer except as provided under the Indian Preference Act.