The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities using the HighScope program to ensure kindergarten readiness. They must maintain a safe, clean environment and communicate regularly with parents and stakeholders regarding student progress.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and at least three years of experience working with preschool children. Required certifications include First Aid/CPR, a Food Worker Card, and various state-mandated training clearances.
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 1300 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 3 community centers.
Drawing on more than 40 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 Preschool Lead Teacher 1 or 2 is responsible for providing a safe, caring and academically and socially enriching environment for preschool children. This position ensures that all activities are developmentally appropriate, consistent with curriculum guidelines, and meet all identified academic and developmental domains.
Essential Job Functions In partnership with other Preschool Lead Teachers, plan and lead all activities in a classroom, with a focus on providing quality kindergarten readiness preparedness programs for children 3-5 years or age.
Plan, prepare, implement and clean-up activities and projects using the HighScope program outline.
Enter weekly observations and complete quarterly assessments in TSG.
Provide positive behavior guidance.
Behavior is a way for children to communicate, ask yourself why them might be having a certain way.
Be specific about what you want children to do, rather than what you do not want them to do.
Demonstrate ability to adapt to changes and modifications as recommended by coaches, leadership, and changing trends in early childhood education.
Maintain center appearance and cleanliness, including post activity clean up.
Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health Food Safety standards and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Communicate frequently with parents, site leadership, and other key stakeholders about classroom activities, observations and identified progress, etc.
Prepare and schedule parent/teacher conferences.
Complete required reports/assessments including observations, attendance (DATTs), health screenings, developmental screenings, etc.
Use daily planning time to prepare developmentally appropriate activities for students.
Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
Complete Kindergarten transition forms and support Kindergarten Readiness programs.
Attend and complete all required trainings including State and Registry Service workshops.
Enforce all general safety rules of the center.
Apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and practice other health and safety or life-saving procedures as needed.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent An Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, Child Development or related field, which can include Youth Recreation/Development, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Psychology, Social Work with an emphasis on Human Development or other degrees as appropriate OR An Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college and verified in MERIT and 20 or more credits in ECE verified through Merit. Up to 10 credits may be classified as ECE-School age hybrid (E/S) credits. Minimum three (3) years of experience working with preschool children (3-5 years old), including experience in behavior management and age-appropriate activity planning. AND 30 or more approved quarter credits in ECE, verified through MERIT. Up to 10 credits may be classified as ECE-School Age hybrid (“E/S”) credits. Minimum three (3) years of experience working with preschool children (3-5 years old), including experience in behavior management and age-appropriate activity planning.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities The ability to lead staff in implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum The ability to problem-solve, think strategically, and handle sensitive information and difficult situations tactfully and confidentially The ability to exhibit cultural humility when working with staff and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds The ability to lead by example and routinely demonstrate behavior consistent with Launch’s values, or children, families, employees and mission.
The ability to collaborate with on-site educators, colleagues and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality, on-site programs.
The ability to communicate effectively, professionally and empathetically in both written and verbal formats.
The ability to work effectively in a normal office environment; physical requirements include normal walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing and reaching activities and the ability to regularly lift items weighing up to 25 lbs.
Strong organizational skills, demonstrated by (but not limited to) a safe, clean and effectively managed worksite and compliance with Launch’s confidentiality policy regarding child, family and employee information.
Proficiency with appropriate software, including MS Office and Procare.
Demonstrate an eagerness to learn and enhance skills that promote Equity and Inclusion
Condition of Employment – Pre-hire 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
Condition of Employment – After Hire Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Trainings: Medication Management Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Families Experiencing Homelessness Abusive Head Trauma Within 1 Month of Hire Completion of STARS Basic 30 hour Child Care course Within 6 Months of Hire Teaching Strategies Gold Interrater Reliability (IRR) certification
Market context
Washington classroom teacher market context
In Washington, classroom teacher roles are often competitive because schools and early learning programs look for candidates who meet state requirements and bring prior licensed daycare or teacher assistant experience. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit and compensation details faster. If you’re applying, confirm your state preschool teacher assistant eligibility and highlight any classroom support experience on your resume.
