Lead Early Childhood Educator

A Lead Teacher interacts with parents, practicum students, volunteers, and team members to guide the educational activities of children aged 12 months to 5 years in the Early Learning Center. Work is performed following Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) requirements (WACS), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, and Center Policies and Procedures which include Expectations and Code of Teaching Behavior, Health Care Policy, Emergency Procedures, Safety and College Policies. This position works under general direction from the Center Director and Assistant Director.

Essential Functions

• The Lead Teacher guides children ages 12m to 5 years in developmentally appropriate practices using best practices as a guide to foster creativity, fine and gross motor development, cognitive skills, social and emotional development, language development, and independence and self-help skills.
• Implement guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Respond to children with respect, courtesy and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
• Ability to assess each child’s developmental progress using a valid, reliable, and recognized assessment tool.
• Develop and implement learning experiences for children based on observations of children’s interests and developmental needs.
• Use of Smart Teach, ASQ, Child Plus; maintaining child educational files and related documentation.
• Provide on the job training and mentoring to staff whose skill sets are in an earlier stage of development, such as, Practicum Students, work study students, temporary employees, and volunteers.
• Use computer literacy and knowledge to find teaching resources on the internet, use online time and leave system, maintain attendance record, design curriculum, prepare newsletters in a professional format, and check and respond to emails as it pertains to job functions. Also, perform these functions on smart technology such as phones and tablets.
• Communicate with the Center Director and Assistant about information and insights that affect the program's efficient cohesive functioning. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Communicate routinely with parents regarding the child’s development.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. Will lead, instruct, assign, and check the work of others. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training.
• Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise through professional development and training relating to Early Childhood Program Specialist position and training in environmental education and experiences for children.
• Complete ten hours of training annually.
• At times, families and visitors may tour your classroom, requiring the Lead Teacher to articulate program philosophies and early childhood education best practices.
• Understand and implement minimum licensing requirements as determined by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
• Understand Early Achievers, Early Head Start (EHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and curriculum enhancements, and be able to communicate these programs to others.
• Perform related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the children and the functions of the Early Learning Center.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.

-OR- Associates degree with twenty (20) credit hours in early childhood development, special education or equivalent,

-OR- a current Child Development Credential (CDA).

• Two (2) years of FTE working with preschool age children in a group setting, providing program planning, developing and presenting educational activities/lessons plans or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Intermediate experience using Word, Excel and Power Point presentation software programs or other comparable programs.

Conditions of Employment

· Successfully pass a Tacoma Community College criminal history background check prior to employment.

· Successfully pass a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT).

• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification.

· Valid Food Handlers Permit.

• HIV certificate of training.
• Record of current Tuberculin (TB) Test within last 12 months
• Ability to lift and carry 20-45 pounds, live weight.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• A passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.
• Ability to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.
• Confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building and maintaining internal / external customer satisfaction.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of personalities in a diverse work environment.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ability to interact courteously with customers and work effectively in a team environment.

Application Materials & Procedure

Complete application packages must include the following:

• Tacoma Community College application
• Resume & cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position. Specifically address your experience, training, and knowledge in providing empathy and respect in the care and nurturing of children 3 to 5 years of age in an early childhood program and your supervisory experience.
• Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time classified position scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day from 7:15 am to 3:45 pm. Summer schedule is Monday through Thursday working the hours of 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Schedule to be determined and flexibility in scheduling is required to meet department needs. The salary range is $2,925 – $3,807. Tacoma Community College offers a generous benefits package to include health, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, state retirement, vacation leave, sick leave and holiday pay. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a service fee is required within 30 calendar days of employment. The layoff unit for this position is “Project Employment.”

Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.

6501 S 19 St Bldg 18, Tacoma WA 98466 253-566-6024 or TDD 253-566-5319 www.tacomacc.edu hr@tacomacc.edu

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.33 - $23.40 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23