Preschool Lead 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 1300 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 3 community centers.

Drawing on more than 40 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.

• In partnership with other Preschool Lead Teachers, plan and lead all activities in a classroom, with a focus on providing quality kindergarten readiness preparedness programs for children 3‑5 years or age.
• Plan, prepare, implement and clean‑up activities and projects using the High Scope program outline.
• Enter weekly observations and complete quarterly assessments in TSG.
• Provide positive behavior guidance. Behavior is a way for children to communicate, ask yourself why them might be having a certain way. Be specific about what you want children to do, rather than what you do not want them to do.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt to changes and modifications as recommended by coaches, leadership, and changing trends in early childhood education.
• Maintain center appearance and cleanliness, including post activity clean up.
• Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health Food Safety standards and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Communicate frequently with parents, site leadership, and other key stakeholders about classroom activities, observations and identified progress, etc. Prepare and schedule parent/teacher conferences.
• Complete required reports/assessments including observations, attendance (DATTs), health screenings, developmental screenings, etc.
• Use daily planning time to prepare developmentally appropriate activities for students.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Complete Kindergarten transition forms and support Kindergarten Readiness programs.
• Attend and complete all required trainings including State and Registry Service workshops.
• Enforce all general safety rules of the center. Apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and practice other health and safety or life‑saving procedures as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• An Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, Child Development or related field, which can include Youth Recreation/Development, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Psychology, Social Work with an emphasis on Human Development or other degrees as appropriate

OR

• An Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college and verified in MERIT and 20 or more credits in ECE verified through Merit. Up to 10 credits may be classified as ECE-School age hybrid (E/S) credits.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience working with preschool children (3‑5 years old), including experience in behavior management and age‑appropriate activity planning.

AND

• 30 or more approved quarter credits in ECE, verified through MERIT. Up to 10 credits may be classified as ECE-School Age hybrid (E/S) credits.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience working with preschool children (3‑5 years old), including experience in behavior management and age‑appropriate activity planning.

• The ability to lead staff in implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum
• The ability to problem‑solve, think strategically, and handle sensitive information and difficult situations tactfully and confidentially
• The ability to exhibit cultural humility when working with staff and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio‑economic backgrounds
• The ability to lead by example and routinely demonstrate behavior consistent with Launch’s values, or children, families, employees and mission.
• The ability to…