Description

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 1,000 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 4 community centers. Drawing on more than 45 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.

The Early Preschool Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, caring, and socially enriching environment for toddler children. This position provides support for the children’s emotion and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts. In addition to duties associated as a toddler teacher.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children according to set menu; prepares substitute items for children on restricted diets.
• Practice safe food handling techniques in food preparation and storage - in accordance with the WAC (i.e. sanitizer bottles, food labeling and storage, fridge temperatures, etc. as examples).
• Ensure food orders are put away in a timely manner to ensure safety and health regulations.
• Supervise and manage groups of children; creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
• Communicate with parents and guardians about daily activities, behaviors and related issues.
• Maintain safety of children.
• Cultivate and sustain a positive environment conducive to the children’s well-being through proactive maintenance of social emotional development.
• Engage children in supporting activities for emotional and support, encourage understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
• Sanitize toys and play equipment. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the classroom.
• Dress children and change diapers.
• Keep records on individual children, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered.
• Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to parents’ or guardians’ attention. 
• Instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
• Build strong and nurturing relationship with children and families.
• Have positive communication with parents, staff, supervisor, school, etc.
• Enforce all general safety rules of site.
• Regulate children’s rest periods.
• Assist in positive behavior management technique’s when required.
• Obtain required training and on-going professional development.
• Learn and implement curriculum and assessment tools.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings.

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• A minimum of 1 year education beyond high school required. An AA in education or related field is preferred
• Will need 12 credits in Early Childhood Education by 2030

Desired but not required:

• Experience working in a non-profit organization
• AA or BA in Education
• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to work and communicate with children and adults in a positive and proactive manner 
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member 
• Strong time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment with a wide range of personalities
• Exceptional problem solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Able to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices required. 
• The ability to work effectively in a normal classroom environment; physical requirements include normal walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing and reaching activities and the ability to regularly lift items weighing up to 40 lbs.

Condition of Employment

• Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance
• TB Clearance
• Food Worker Card
• First Aid/CPR
• Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV training
• Mandated Reported Training
• MMR Vaccination Record
• Must attend any required training

After Hire

• Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Trainings:
• Medication Management
• Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
• Families Experiencing Homelessness
• Abusive Head Trauma

Within Three Months of Hire

• Completion of STARS Basic 30 hour Child Care course 

The statement contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.