Lead Teacher - Preschool

Summary

Puyallup Playcare Center is searching for an enthusiastic, reliable Lead Teacher to join our team! We are looking for an individual who enjoys working with young children, likes working as a team and thrives in a fun, active environment.

Duties

Key Duties and Responsibilities
Position Specific / Classroom:
· Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with the children and families
· Collaborate with co-teachers to create and implement developmentally appropriate, theme-based emergent curriculum honoring the children’s interests and contributions
· Coordinate meaningful and engaging activities, field trips, and visitors
· Create and maintain positive and engaging classroom and outdoor environments
· Create and follow a classroom schedule and manage daily routines of the classroom
· Update displays regularly including artwork on walls and bulletin board
· Meet the social and emotional, physical and cognitive needs of each child
· Practice active supervision at all times, implementing name-to-face checks regularly and at each transition
· Practice daily health checks for each child and report concerns to administration
· Share daily updates with families in-person and discuss what communication will be shared by co-teachers
· Complete approved developmental screening for each child within 90 days of enrollment and annually each fall
· Document each child’s development using Teaching Strategies Gold meeting all check point requirements and documentation goals, sharing with families regularly
· Prepare and facilitate family conferences annually
· Serve all meals and snacks following Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines
· Monitor and adjust for severe allergies and special diet, developmental, and medical needs
· Rotate materials to reflect current lesson plans and interests
· Complete objective incident reports and communicate occurrences to families thoughtfully and share with a Director
· Write monthly newsletters and submit on time
· Train, supervise and mentor Assistants, Support Teachers and new hires by modeling program policies and procedures and share position specific information

General Program:
· Follow all health and safety requirements and guidelines of the Health Department, DCYF and the program including inspecting and replacing damaged or used materials
· Meet and maintain all DCYF licensing requirements for the position
· Adhere to all policies and expectations outlined in the Puyallup Playcare Center Employee Handbook and Family Handbook
· Report suspected maltreatment or abuse of children to DCYF, Child Abuse Hotline or law enforcement
· Complete renewal requirements for the Early Achievers Quality Improvement Program as directed by Administration
· Maintain organized, clean spaces throughout the program including picking up playground and disinfecting toys and surfaces
· Evaluate self and other staff as requested for performance evaluations
· Provide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassion
· Work collaboratively with all program employees and support a positive work environment
· Greet children, families, visitors and staff and offer assistance as needed
· Communicate updates to replacement staff ensuring smooth transitions between teachers and that all are in the loop before leaving your post
· Maintain confidentiality of all children, families and staff
· Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and breaks; adjust working hours based on the needs of the program as requested by an administrator, including substituting in classrooms
· Drive center vans for field trips, substitute school-age transportation, and emergencies
· Present self in a professional image including attire, attitude, and communication
· Perform and behave as a positive reflection of the program in any public capacity
· Attend and actively participate in regular daytime and evening staff meetings
· Complete regular janitorial duties applicable to the daily schedule including taking out trash, sweeping, mopping, cleaning and sanitizing, and vacuuming.
· Provide quality customer service in a welcoming and supportive environment
· Model a positive attitude, respectful communication, and empathy for others
· Maintain friendly communication with church employees and visitors, respecting shared space and adjusting for special events or requests
· Perform a variety of physically demanding tasks, including but not limited to sitting on the floor, bending, running, walking, standing, balancing, reaching, and active supervision requiring close and distance vision and hearing
· Assume applicable duties when substituting for alternate role (i.e. covering for another teacher in their absence) including their opening or closing duties
· Be flexible and proactive in providing assistance in any capacity as needed to ensure smooth operation and success in the program

Requirements

Pre-Service and Hiring Requirements
· Cleared Background Check through the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF)
· TB Test (negative within the last year)
· Minimum Age: 18
· High School Diploma or equivalent

Training Before or Upon Hire
· Child Care Basics
· Child and Adult First Aid and CPR
· Blood Borne Pathogens
· Food Handlers
· Safe Sleep
· Mandated Reporter
· Medication Management
· Emergency Disaster Preparedness
· Families Experiencing Homelessness
· Abusive Head Trauma
· Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Civil Rights

Ongoing In-Service Training
· 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
· Enhancing Quality of Early Learning (EQEL)
· Applicable CACFP Training

Education
· Transcripts or Certificate
o ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits)
o Short Certificate (20 credits)
o Or equivalent
· Time Allowed from Date of Hire or Promotion
o Initial Certificate - 5 years or by Aug. 1, 2026
o Short Certificate - 2 years from completing Initial Certificate

Other Requirements
· Proof of measles vaccination or immunity
· Valid driver’s license or state identification
· Valid passport or social security card
· Driving record with clearance to transport children
· Maintain up to date MERIT account

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach, emergent curriculum, and special education.

Benefits

· The equivalent of one-half day of sick pay will be earned each pay period and may be used after completion of the 90-day probationary period.
· Vacation will be earned at the rate of one week for the first two years of employment; two weeks for years three and four; three weeks for year five and after, and may be used after the 90-day probationary period
· Paid professional development opportunities
· Free college degree opportunities through Bates Technical College
· Employer paid employee portion of PFML and LI deductions on payroll

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.