Lead Teacher in Burien
Akin (formerly Childhaven), Seattle, WA, United States
Position Summary
The Lead Teacher plans and implements comprehensive child development services and creates a positive learning environment with varied experiences. The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with the team to enhance the family's role and engagement as the primary influence in the child’s education and development. Meets or exceeds standards for Head Start Program Performance (HSPPS), State Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), Early Achievers (EA) and Akin policies and procedures.
Essential Functions
Contribute to the development of mutual respect, support, competence, and creativity among the team. Oversee daily classroom functions and operations while supporting teaching development of classroom team.
Plan and develop a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities. Prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with Head Start and ECEAP program performance standards.
Provide an integrated, child‑centered environment that meets the needs and interests of every child.
Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.
Collaborate with teaching team to prepare and organize classroom and materials in accordance with the planned curriculum.
Communicate regularly and respectfully with families and involve them in the educational program. Encourage and support families in working toward goals they have set for themselves and their children.
Collaborate with site team in planning and facilitating family events/meetings. When working with diverse populations, access interpreters.
Conduct a minimum of four parent‑teacher conferences annually with each child’s family, including two home visits annually.
Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry and maintain complete confidential records.
Administer standardized screening tools on every child within 45 days of school entry and rescreen or refer as necessary.
Support and participate in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
Facilitate mealtime service following CACFP and family‑style dining requirements.
Teach and oversee healthy habits in the classroom (handwashing, toothbrushing, etc.). Administer first aid as needed and check indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards. Work in collaboration with the Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
Assist with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.
Participate in center family activities and events; assist in set‑up and clean‑up, welcome and engage with families, and other event duties. These events may be after hours and participation is required.
Participate in in‑service staff training, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year, including required STARS trainings.
Collaborate with families and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Lead and participate as a positive, productive team member of the site’s multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children.
Establish positive goal‑oriented relationships with children, staff, and families.
Adapt to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
Perform clerical tasks such as recordkeeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds.
Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment.
Working Environment
Moderate noise (e.g., classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones).
Typical classroom lighting and temperatures.
Moderate interruptions.
Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period.
Limited travel to other site locations within the state.
Ability to work a rotating schedule for the duration of center operating hours.
Physical Demands
Frequently walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 310 lbs.
Occasionally sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50 lbs, and use hands, fingers for keyboarding.
Constant speaking/hearing in person and occasionally on the phone; vision required for observation of children and families in various environments.
Regular, predictable attendance required.
Minimum Qualifications
AA Degree in Early Childhood Education. Staff who do not meet Standard Qualifications may be hired if a Professional Development Plan is submitted to obtain full qualifications within two years of appointment.
Equivalent degrees and credentials from other states and countries are accepted; submitted and approved through Merit, Washington State’s monitoring system.
Proof of a physical exam within the past 12 months (updated every three years).
One‑step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless written proof of a negative test within the past 12 months is provided. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x‑ray must be provided.
Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer.
Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting. https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister
A valid driver’s license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years.
Required Within 30 Days Of Hire
CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification.
HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training.
Food Handler’s Permit.
Other assigned trainings.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali.
Salary Range And Benefits
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.
The target starting pay for this position is $26.12 – $30.69 per hour for AA degree, and $28.74 – $34.48 per hour for BA degree, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.
The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.
Benefits
Competitive pay.
Medical, dental and retirement benefits.
Paid time off.
Professional development and growth opportunities.
Commitment To Equity And Inclusion
Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Lead Teacher plans and implements comprehensive child development services and creates a positive learning environment with varied experiences. The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with the team to enhance the family's role and engagement as the primary influence in the child’s education and development. Meets or exceeds standards for Head Start Program Performance (HSPPS), State Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), Early Achievers (EA) and Akin policies and procedures.
Essential Functions
Contribute to the development of mutual respect, support, competence, and creativity among the team. Oversee daily classroom functions and operations while supporting teaching development of classroom team.
Plan and develop a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities. Prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with Head Start and ECEAP program performance standards.
Provide an integrated, child‑centered environment that meets the needs and interests of every child.
Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.
Collaborate with teaching team to prepare and organize classroom and materials in accordance with the planned curriculum.
Communicate regularly and respectfully with families and involve them in the educational program. Encourage and support families in working toward goals they have set for themselves and their children.
Collaborate with site team in planning and facilitating family events/meetings. When working with diverse populations, access interpreters.
Conduct a minimum of four parent‑teacher conferences annually with each child’s family, including two home visits annually.
Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry and maintain complete confidential records.
Administer standardized screening tools on every child within 45 days of school entry and rescreen or refer as necessary.
Support and participate in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
Facilitate mealtime service following CACFP and family‑style dining requirements.
Teach and oversee healthy habits in the classroom (handwashing, toothbrushing, etc.). Administer first aid as needed and check indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards. Work in collaboration with the Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
Assist with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.
Participate in center family activities and events; assist in set‑up and clean‑up, welcome and engage with families, and other event duties. These events may be after hours and participation is required.
Participate in in‑service staff training, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year, including required STARS trainings.
Collaborate with families and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Lead and participate as a positive, productive team member of the site’s multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children.
Establish positive goal‑oriented relationships with children, staff, and families.
Adapt to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
Perform clerical tasks such as recordkeeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds.
Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment.
Working Environment
Moderate noise (e.g., classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones).
Typical classroom lighting and temperatures.
Moderate interruptions.
Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period.
Limited travel to other site locations within the state.
Ability to work a rotating schedule for the duration of center operating hours.
Physical Demands
Frequently walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 310 lbs.
Occasionally sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50 lbs, and use hands, fingers for keyboarding.
Constant speaking/hearing in person and occasionally on the phone; vision required for observation of children and families in various environments.
Regular, predictable attendance required.
Minimum Qualifications
AA Degree in Early Childhood Education. Staff who do not meet Standard Qualifications may be hired if a Professional Development Plan is submitted to obtain full qualifications within two years of appointment.
Equivalent degrees and credentials from other states and countries are accepted; submitted and approved through Merit, Washington State’s monitoring system.
Proof of a physical exam within the past 12 months (updated every three years).
One‑step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless written proof of a negative test within the past 12 months is provided. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x‑ray must be provided.
Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer.
Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting. https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister
A valid driver’s license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years.
Required Within 30 Days Of Hire
CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification.
HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training.
Food Handler’s Permit.
Other assigned trainings.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali.
Salary Range And Benefits
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.
The target starting pay for this position is $26.12 – $30.69 per hour for AA degree, and $28.74 – $34.48 per hour for BA degree, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.
The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.
Benefits
Competitive pay.
Medical, dental and retirement benefits.
Paid time off.
Professional development and growth opportunities.
Commitment To Equity And Inclusion
Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr