Co-Lead Preschool Teacher

Summary

As a Lead Early Childhood Teacher, you will work with a co-lead to plan curriculum, prepare activities, set the classroom and communicate with families. You will lead your classroom of up to 16 students with your co-lead or assistant teacher. Typical days start with classroom work, circle time, snack and then outside time. Afternoons flow into lunch, rest and activities or more outside time. You build relationships with families, tracking student development and initiating conferences twice yearly. As part of the Early Childhood teaching team, you attend level meetings, staff meetings, and annual in-service days, as well as participating in school-wide events and celebrations.

Little Star is celebrating its 43rd year of sparking children’s curiosity, compassion and sense of community through joyful learning and discovery. We are a Montessori-inspired school in the beautiful Methow Valley in North Central Washington, and serve over 100 students ages 0-6 across two campuses. We strive to be a place where every child can thrive because their unique and innate qualities are respected and nurtured.

Duties

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum including classroom materials that are rotated frequently
• Prepare regular activities including: a daily circle time, music and art, practical life activities, sensorial work and cooking projects and outdoor play.  
• Oversee the daily flow of the classroom, including following a daily routine; checking in with parents at beginning/end of day; daily setup and clean up
• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by using the Positive Discipline approach to conflict resolution.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment; practices hand washing and safe food handling procedures, and assure the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment including providing a daily rest time, supporting toileting needs, and prepare a daily afternoon snack.
• Facilitate off-campus walking field trips to nearby natural areas while exercising the highest level of oversight and risk management.
• Ensure respectful and open lines of communication with families, including answering emails daily, participating in conferences, and writing a monthly newsletter.
• Comply with all continuing education requirements including annual training hours required through Washington State for licensed childcare providers.  

Requirements

• 3 years experience working in a setting with preschool-aged children, preferably in a child-centered environment. 
• Can lift 30+ lbs
• Basic computer literacy (ability to check and send emails, word processing)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, parents and other staff members.
• Nurturing, calm, kind and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children and families. 
• Is creative, flexible, loving and patient.
• Ability to fulfill all Washington State's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) requirements (TB test, MMR vaccination & pass a portable background check.)
• Willingness to complete training upon hire: Food Handler’s certificate, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate, and Safe Sleep certificate
• Completion of initial 30 hour STARS training (completed within 6 months of hire).
• Completion of Positive Discipline training (completed upon hire).

Nice To Haves

Montessori Certification or Bachelor's or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development or related field (preferred, not required)

Benefits

• Wages: $21-$24 an hour DOE, with annual wage increases
• Healthcare: $750 annual health stipend
• Time off: Accrued PTO and one week of paid vacation after 6 months of hire
• Retirement: 4% retirement matching program
• Enrollment Discount: 50% discount on your child’s enrollment
• Career development: Regular training and professional development opportunities
• Some flexibility in scheduling

About Us

At Little Star, we spark children's curiosity, compassion, and sense of community through joyful learning and discovery. We are a Montessori-inspired school that provides outstanding early childhood education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners.