Preschool Instructor

Job Description

Position: Preschool Instructor

Location: Hathaway Elementary School, Washougal, WA

Hours: 7 hours per day (8:30 am - 4:00 pm), Monday-Friday (student attendance days only)

Salary: $29.33 - $38.31 per hour

Purpose Statement: In Washougal, we work together to develop responsible, collaborative, continuous learners prepared to make a positive impact. We seek highly qualified educators who value inclusive classrooms and respond to the needs of all students and families.

Responsible for implementing a positive learning experience for children aged 3-5, addressing mental, physical, social and emotional development.

This position reports to the Building Administrator.

• Plans, prepares, and executes an enriching preschool and pre‑K program for 3–5 year olds with structured and unstructured activities based on best practices.
• Applies knowledge of children’s learning, growth and developmental processes and develops developmentally appropriate curriculum integrating cognitive, physical, social and emotional modalities.
• Incorporates curriculum based on Washington State Early Learning Guidelines and district expectations.
• Teaches and promotes life‑skills (e.g., self‑care, nutritional snack service) and good habits to improve student outcomes and encourage development.
• Maintains a well‑managed classroom with minimal direction and age‑appropriate behavior modeling.
• Enforces school rules and procedures and provides a safe, positive learning environment for individual and groups of students.
• Records observations and incidents on specific students for documentation and communication with appropriate personnel.
• Collects and compiles student data for evaluations and assessments.
• Communicates effectively with parents, school staff and supervisor, responding to inquiries from staff such as administrators, psychologists and teachers.
• Coordinates and facilitates Parent‑Teacher Conferences twice annually.
• Schedules and facilitates WA Kids Conferences for new families.
• Collaborates with kindergarten teachers through Professional Learning Communities (PLC) as scheduled.
• Collaborates with Special Services in implementing the inclusion preschool model for identified students as needed.
• Performs record‑keeping and clerical functions (e.g., copying, collecting/distributing supplies).
• Maintains classroom materials, equipment, and work area (e.g., adapting instructional materials, cleaning, taking attendance, managing audio‑visual equipment).
• Uses computers and related curriculum‑enhancing tools.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations to acquire and convey information related to job functions.
• Attends Professional Development workshops as assigned to incorporate new strategies, techniques and curriculum.
• Attends monthly preschool PLC meetings as scheduled.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Minimum AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related area required; BA/BS in ECE, Primary Elementary Education or related preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Job‑related experience preferred.
• Required Testing:
  Pre‑employment Proficiency Test (if needed).
• Certificates & Licenses:
  Valid First Aid Certificate.
• Continuing Education / Training:
  Washington Sexual Misconduct Inquiry; WA State Apprentice Program (voluntary).
• Clearances: WSP/FBI Background Clearance;
  Washington Sexual Misconduct Inquiry.
• Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
  Operates standard office equipment and software; prepares and maintains accurate records; understands complex written and oral instructions; demonstrates knowledge of grammar, punctuation, direct instruction, reading instruction, stages of child development, and age‑appropriate activities.
• Ability to schedule activities, collate data, use job‑related equipment; flexible to work with others; problem‑solving to identify issues and create action plans; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; set priorities; work as part of a team; handle constant interruptions.

The Washougal School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, and provides equal access to designated youth groups.