Preschool Team Leader (Lead Teacher)

EPIC Early Learning is currently hiring a passionate and dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher to join our team. As a private, nonprofit organization, EPIC has been providing early childhood educational services to children and families in Central Washington for over 35 years. Our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential through nurturing relationships, engaging experiences, and high-quality education.

As a Lead Preschool Teacher, you will play a critical role in creating a positive and enriching learning environment for children ages 3 to 5. You will work closely with a team of educators and support staff to implement the preschool curriculum and ensure that each child's individual needs are met. Building strong relationships with families and collaborating with them to support their child's development will also be a key aspect of this role.

At EPIC, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that promotes not only academic growth but also social-emotional development, physical well-being, and cultural awareness.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that align with the preschool curriculum and promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development
• Establish and maintain a safe and nurturing classroom environment that supports the well-being and growth of each child
• Provide individualized instruction and support to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with disabilities and English language learners
• Collaborate with parents and families to build strong partnerships and involve them in their child's learning journey
• Schedule and conduct parent conferences and home visits
• Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor children's progress and use the data to inform instructional strategies and individualized plans
• Plan and facilitate engaging learning experiences that promote curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning
• Foster the social-emotional development of children by promoting positive behavior supports and facilitating conflict resolution
• Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPICs culture of "See Something, Say Something".

Requirements

• Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education or a related field *
• Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training
• Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in a preschool setting
• Documental work experience in the training and mentoring of classroom staff. 
• Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with children, families, and colleagues
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Passionate about providing high-quality education and support to young children
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant educational technology

* Candidates who do not meet the minimum education requirement would need to hold a current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent Preschool certificate, enroll in a higher education institution towards an AA in ECE, be on a Professional Development Plan with a confirmed deadline and additionally be on an approved waiver by the Office of Head Start.

Pay Level: $23.23 to $27.41

Benefits

·         Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans

·         Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)

·         Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)

·         Paid Holidays (9)

·         Seedling Scholarship Available

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         Basic Life Insurance

·         403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)

As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.