Job Description
Summary We are seeking an energetic, motivated individual to join our team! This position is full-time year round leading our kindergarten & 1st grade school-age classroom offering full-day summer programming, and care before and after school, on early release days, and school closure days, as well as center support in preschool classrooms when older children are at school.
Duties Key Duties and Responsibilities
Position Specific / Classroom:
- Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with the children and families
- Collaborate with co-teachers to create and implement developmentally appropriate, theme-based emergent curriculum honoring the children’s interests and contributions
- Coordinate meaningful engaging activities, field trips, and visitors
- Create and maintain positive and engaging classroom and outdoor environments
- Create and follow a classroom schedule and manage daily routines of the classroom
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassion
- Meet the social and emotional, physical and cognitive needs of each child
- Practice active supervision at all times, implementing name-to-face checks regularly and at each transition
- Practice daily health checks for each child and report concerns to administration
- Share daily updates with families in-person and discuss what communication will be shared by co-teachers.
- Serve all meals and snacks following Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines
- Monitor and adjust for severe allergies and special diet, developmental, and medical needs
- Drive center vans for school-age AM and PM transportation, field trips and emergencies
- Rotate materials to reflect current lesson plans and interests
- Complete objective incident reports and communicate occurrences to families thoughtfully and share with a Director
- Complete tasks on the On-Going Program Maintenance List and other tasks as designated by the Administrative team during open times on individual schedule
- Adjust working hours for elementary school closure days and summer break
- Write monthly newsletters and submit them on time
- Train, supervise and mentor Assistants, Support Teachers and new hires by modeling program policies and procedures and share position specific information
- Assume duties of a Center Support Teacher when school age children are at elementary school
General Program:
- Follow all health and safety requirements and guidelines of the Health Department, DCYF and the program including inspecting and replacing damaged or used materials
- Meet and maintain all DCYF licensing requirements for the position
- Adhere to all policies and expectations outlined in the Puyallup Playcare Center Employee Handbook and Family Handbook
- Report suspected maltreatment or abuse of children to DCYF, Child Abuse Hotline or law enforcement
- Complete renewal requirements for the Early Achievers Quality Improvement Program as directed by Administration
- Maintain organized, clean spaces throughout the program including picking up playground and disinfecting toys and surfaces
- Evaluate self and other staff as requested for performance evaluations
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassion
- Work collaboratively with all program employees and support a positive work environment
- Greet children, families, visitors and staff and offer assistance as needed
- Communicate updates to replacement staff ensuring smooth transitions between teachers and that all are in the loop before leaving your post
- Maintain confidentiality of all children, families and staff
- Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and breaks; adjust working hours based on the needs of the program as requested by an administrator, including substituting in classrooms
- Drive center vans for field trips, substitute school-age transportation, and emergencies
- Present self in a professional image including attire, attitude, and communication
- Perform and behave as a positive reflection of the program in any public capacity
- Attend and actively participate in regular daytime and evening staff meetings
- Complete regular janitorial duties applicable to the daily schedule including taking out trash, sweeping, mopping, cleaning and sanitizing, and vacuuming.
- Provide quality customer service in a welcoming and supportive environment
- Model a positive attitude, respectful communication, and empathy for others
- Maintain friendly communication with church employees and visitors, respecting shared space and adjusting for special events or requests
- Perform a variety of physically demanding tasks, including but not limited to sitting on the floor, bending, running, walking, standing, balancing, reaching, and active supervision requiring close and distance vision and hearing
- Assume applicable duties when substituting for alternate role (i.e. covering for another teacher in their absence) including their opening or closing duties
- Be flexible and proactive in providing assistance in any capacity as needed to ensure smooth operation and success in the program
Requirements Pre-Service and Hiring Requirements
- Cleared Background Check through the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF)
- TB Test (negative within the last year)
- Minimum Age: 21
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Training Before or Upon Hire
- Child Care Basics
- Child and Adult First Aid and CPR
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Food Handlers
- Safe Sleep
- Mandated Reporter
- Medication Management
- Emergency & Disaster Preparedness
- Families Experiencing Homelessness
- Abusive Head Trauma
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Civil Rights
-
Ongoing In-Service Training
- 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training
- Enhancing Quality of Early Learning (EQEL)
- Applicable CACFP Training
Education
- Transcripts or certificate: 12 college credits
- Time Allowed from Date of Hire or Promotion: 5 years
Other Requirements
- Proof of measles vaccination or immunity
- Valid driver’s license or state identification
- Valid passport or social security card
- Driving record with clearance to transport children
- Maintain up to date MERIT account
Benefits · 12 days Paid Sick Leave annually
· Vacation will be earned at the rate of one week for the first two years of employment; two weeks for years three and four; three weeks for year five and after, and may be used after the 90-day probationary period
· Medical, dental, vision benefits
· Paid professional development opportunities
· Free college degree opportunities through Bates Technical College
·Employer paid employee portion of PFML and L&I deductions on payroll
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This insitution is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Tags
Full time, Summer holiday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Afternoon shift,