Primary Educator

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Full Time Seattle, WA, US

2 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $30.00 To $34.00 Hourly

Toddler Primary Educator

Hilltop Children's Center and Outreach Institute
Seattle Institute for Early Child Development | Seattle, Washington

Full time Hourly nonexempt $30-$34 per hour
Age group: children ages 1-2 years

Reports to:

Director of Instruction and Curriculum or designated supervisor
Updated October 2, 2026

The Toddler Primary Educator provides consistent, nurturing care and a responsive learning environment for children ages 1-2. The educator works with teaching partners and families to support each child's development, identity, belonging, and growing independence. Safety, active supervision, and respectful caregiving are essential responsibilities throughout the day.

Hilltop uses reflective teaching, emergent curriculum, and an anti-bias and anti-racism approach. Observation, collaboration, and planning guide learning experiences and individualized care. This role is intended to meet the DCYF center lead teacher classification. Hilltop's program expectations below are employer expectations; they are not all state licensing mandates.

• Build trusting relationships and continuity of care. Respond promptly to distress and support separation, transitions, and emotional regulation through calm, predictable interactions.
• Plan play and exploration that support language, movement, sensory discovery, social connection, and emerging problem solving. Use songs, books, conversation, art, and open-ended materials suited to toddlers.
• Use Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines and developmentally appropriate Creative Curriculum and emergent curriculum practices. Adapt experiences for children's home languages, cultures, abilities, and interests.
• Treat meals, diapering, dressing, handwashing, and rest as opportunities for connection and learning. Follow individual care plans and encourage independence without rushing or forcing children.
• Observe and document development. Collaborate with families and appropriate specialists on screening tools such as ASQ when used by Hilltop, referrals, and individualized supports. Do not diagnose children.
• Maintain an organized, accessible environment and inspect materials for choking hazards, damage, and developmental suitability. Provide outdoor experiences consistent with weather, individual needs, and Hilltop's age-specific playground procedures.

• Know which children are assigned to your care and where each child is at all times. Scan, listen, position yourself strategically, and intervene promptly. Adult conversations, phones, documentation, and cleaning must not interfere with supervision.
• Use name-to-face checks and the classroom attendance record at arrival, departure, staff handoffs, and every transition. Count and verify children before leaving and after arriving; check classrooms, bathrooms, playgrounds, and vehicles as applicable. These tracking practices are Hilltop operational expectations.
• Maintain the licensed ratio and group size throughout care, including meals, rest, outdoor play, and outings. WAC toddler classification is 12-29 months: maximum 14 children at 1:7, or 15 at 1:5. Follow the center’s approved configuration and any stricter Hilltop staffing requirement; do not independently change group size or mixed-age arrangements.
• Obtain a clear handoff before leaving the group or taking a break. Report coverage concerns immediately so administration can arrange qualified relief. Release children only under…