Lead Infant Teacher

Denise Louie Education Center (DLEC); Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement potential

Job summary

Denise Louie Education Center (DLEC) in Seattle, WA, invites applications for Toddler Early Learning teachers. You will create a safe, engaging learning space for infants and toddlers and partner with families to support school readiness.

The role requires an Infant/Toddler CDA or an Associate degree (Bachelor’s preferred), English proficiency, and relevant certifications. Location varies with a comprehensive benefits package available.

Qualifications

• Infant/Toddler CDA or Assoc Degree; Bachelor's in ECE preferred.
• Experience with children ages 3 and under.
• English communication (verbal and written).
• Certifications: STARS 30 Hours, First Aid/CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Food Worker Card, Infant Safe Sleep (or obtainable within 90 days).
• Bilingual in a language spoken by DLEC parents preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, nurturing environment for infants and toddlers.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Engage with families; communicate child progress and needs.
• Follow health and safety protocols.
• Collaborate on curriculum aligned with Early Head Start guidelines.
• Work with colleagues to coordinate services for children.
• Pursue ongoing professional development.
• Maintain accurate documentation of child development progress.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and advocate for children.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

English language

Bilingual preference

Education

Infant/Toddler CDA or Associate Degree

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education preferred

Job description

Being a Toddler Early Learning teacher is a rewarding and essential role that involves working with young children and their families to promote healthy development and school readiness.

Essential Functions

• Childcare and Education: Creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers to learn and grow. Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that encourage exploration, curiosity, and skill-building.
• Individualized Learning: Recognizing and responding to each child's unique needs and developmental milestones. Using observation and assessment tools to track progress and tailor activities accordingly.
• Parent Involvement: Establishing strong partnerships with parents and families. Engaging in regular communication to share information about their child's progress and development and providing resources and support to enhance parenting skills.
• Health and Safety: Ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. Following health and safety protocols to protect the well-being of the children.
• Curriculum Development: Collaborating with colleagues to develop and adapt curriculum materials that align with Early Head Start guidelines and best practices.
• Teamwork: Working closely with other teachers, staff members, and specialists to coordinate services and provide a cohesive approach to children's education and well-being.
• Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices and new research in early childhood education.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records and documentation of child development progress and program outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity ensures that all children and families are respected and supported in their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Advocacy: Advocating for the needs of young children and their families within the community and promoting the importance of early childhood education and support services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Overall, being an Infant/Toddler Early Head Start teacher requires a passion for working with young children, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a dedication to fostering positive relationships with both children and their families. It's a role that can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Minimum Requirements

• Infant/Toddler Childhood Development Associate (CDA) or Associates Degree required. Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field strongly preferred.
• Previous work or volunteer experience working with children ages 3 and under
• Able to communicate in English verbally and writen, and read and understand English.
• Certification in: Childcare Basics (STARS 30 Hours), First Aid/CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Food Worker Card, Infant Safe Sleep (or must be able to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Bilingual in a language spoken by DLEC parents (Spanish, Amharic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese) preferred.

Position Pay Range: $26.96 - $38.46 hourly

Location: Varies

Benefits

As a Denise Louie Education Center team member, you may receive some or all of the following employee benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and options for supplemental Insurance coverage. Team members are eligible to participate in the company 401(k) plan, which offers a non-elective employer contribution after an introductory period. In addition, eligible part-time and full-time team members will receive PTO, thirteen paid holidays, and one personal holiday.

Additional compensation may come in the form of tuition reimbursement, hiring, retention, longevity, referral, or special assignment bonuses, subject to budgetary limitations. Please visit our career page for more information on our current benefit offerings.

Pre-emplyment Requirements: All new hires must register with Merit and go through a Federal Background check, including fingerprinting (PBC), have an MMR vaccination, a negative TB Test within the last 12 months, or an x-ray, and complete a pre-employment physical, prior to starting work.