Early Preschool Teacher

Overview

Launch is dedicated to ensuring a brilliant start for all children. Through our preschool after school and summer programs we provide equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care in a safe enriching environment that prepares children for success in school and life. Our programs serve a diverse group of over 1000 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 4 community centers. Drawing on more than 45 years of experience we serve as a proven model of effective programming and a passionate advocate for children families and communities. Launch strives to live an anti-racist inclusive existence and welcomes diverse voices experiences and perspectives.

The Early Preschool Teacher is responsible for providing a safe caring and socially enriching environment for toddler children. This position provides support for the childrens emotion and social development encouraging understanding of others and positive addition to duties associated as a toddler teacher.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children according to set menu; prepares substitute items for children on restricted diets.
• Practice safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage - in accordance with the WAC (i.e. sanitizer bottles food labeling and storage fridge temperatures etc. as examples).
• Ensure food orders are put away in a timely manner to ensure safety and health regulations.
• Supervise and manage groups of children; creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Communicate with parents and guardians about daily activities behaviors and related issues.
• Maintain safety of children.
• Cultivate and sustain a positive environment conducive to the childrens well-being through proactive maintenance of social emotional development.
• Engage children in supporting activities for emotional and support encourage understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
• Sanitize toys and play equipment. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the classroom.
• Dress children and change diapers.
• Keep records on individual children including daily observations and information about activities meals served and medications administered.
• Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to parents or guardians attention.
• Instruct children in health and personal habits such as eating resting and toilet habits.
• Build strong and nurturing relationship with children and families.
• Have positive communication with parents staff supervisor school etc.
• Enforce all general safety rules of site.
• Regulate childrens rest periods.
• Assist in positive behavior management techniques when required.
• Obtain required training and on-going professional development.
• Learn and implement curriculum and assessment tools.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings.

Qualifications

Minimum Education Experience & Training Equivalent

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• A minimum of 1 year education beyond high school required. An AA in education or related field is preferred
• Will need 12 credits in Early Childhood Education by 2030

Desired but not required:

• Experience working in a non-profit organization
• AA or BA in Education
• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to work and communicate with children and adults in a positive and proactive manner
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member
• Strong time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment with a wide range of personalities
• Exceptional problem solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Able to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices required.
• The ability to work effectively in a normal classroom environment; physical requirements include normal walking sitting bending twisting standing and reaching activities and the ability to regularly lift items weighing up to 40 lbs.

Condition of Employment

• Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance
• TB Clearance
• Food Worker Card
• First Aid/CPR
• Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV training
• Mandated Reported Training
• MMR Vaccination Record
• Must attend any required training

After Hire

• Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families Trainings:
• Medication Management
• Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
• Families Experiencing Homelessness
• Abusive Head Trauma

Within Three Months of Hire

• Completion of STARS Basic 30 hour Child Care course

The statement contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.