Lead Teacher (Older Preschool)

About Us: Vision House is a nonprofit Christian organization helping families with children break the cycle of homelessness. Through transitional housing, programs and supportive services, we provide families in Washington State with opportunities for life change to overcome trauma, generational poverty and situational homelessness. Regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual preference, every person deserves a healthy home.

Job Summary: The Lead Teacher at Vision House Children's Village Child Care Center plays a crucial role in providing a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children can develop positive relationships and a love of learning. The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula, fostering a safe and engaging classroom, and maintaining communication with parents and staff.

REPORTS TO: Childcare Director

HOURS: 40 hours, non-exempt hourly

LOCATION: Shoreline

SCHEDULE: 9 AM - 6 PM OR 9:30 AM - 6 PM

Our new Lead Teacher will enjoy the following benefits:

• $23.50 - $27.50 per hour DOE
• $500 Hiring Bonus for New Hires
• Multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options with employee/employer premium cost sharing
• Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation accrued during the first year of employment, with vacation accrual rates increasing based on length of service
• Paid sick leave accrued at 1.385 hours for every 40 hours worked, equivalent to approximately nine (9) paid sick days annually for full-time employees
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
• Employee-sponsored life insurance options available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Childcare Tuition Assistance

At Vision House, we serve populations from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and actively seek applicants that will balance our employment workforce to align with the populations we serve. Questions regarding our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be directed towards our HR department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cultivate positive relationships with children, creating a warm, supportive classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive early childhood curricula, in coordination with other staff members.
• Develop daily individual and group lesson plans to meet the developmental needs of the children.
• Assess children's developmental progress regularly and make recommendations to the Director for any necessary referrals.
• Organize and maintain classroom supplies, documents, and equipment to support effective learning environments.
• Coordinate with the Child Care Director in assigning program and household tasks equitably among staff.
• Maintain daily communication with parents, providing verbal and written updates about their child's progress.
• Interpret and communicate center policies to assistant teachers and parents.
• Collaborate with other staff to implement routines and schedules in accordance with the center's standards.
• Maintain health and safety standards according to licensing requirements and ensure compliance with all state regulations.
• Assist in leading classroom activities during emergency drills and ensure children’s safety in emergency situations.
• Stay current on best practices and research in Early Childhood Education, particularly as it relates to serving children who have experienced trauma.
• Maintain necessary records, including attendance and developmental assessments.
• Provide feedback to the Child Care Director regarding staff performance, program delivery, and curriculum effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a childcare setting.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have or acquire an ECE (Early Childhood Education) Initial Certificate or equivalent, as verified in the electronic workforce registry.
• Progress toward an ECE Short Certificate within 2 years of receiving the ECE Initial Certificate.
• Proven ability in all areas of early childhood curriculum development and implementation, including language development, music, art, and more.
• Experience in managing classroom behavior and applying positive discipline strategies to promote a supportive learning environment.
• Food Handler's Permit.
• Obtain First Aid/CPR prior to start
• Proof of negative TB test and MMR vaccine.
• Completion of 30 hours of STARS training and registration with MERIT.
• Proficiency in using early childhood education software tools to track attendance, communicate with parents, and maintain lesson plans.
• A love for children and a desire to impact their lives positively through education.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to pass background check
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality, including consistent adherence to scheduled work hours and attendance expectations.
• Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ whose beliefs are consistent with and support Vision House's Statement of Faith and who is willing to affirm the Statement of Faith as a condition of employment.

Physical Demands/Work Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds properly.
• Ability to assume postures in low level positions that best allow physical and visual contact with children. Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, and handling materials (e.g., equipment, toys).
• Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities to monitor the environment and children's well-being.