EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST 4 - LEAD TEACHER

Salary: $54,448.00 - $56,703.00 AnnuallyLocation : Tacoma, WAJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 26-011Department: Childcare/ECEAPOpening Date: 04/08/2026Closing Date: 4/30/2026 11:59 PM PacificSUMMARYUnder the general direction of the EC Director, the Early Childhood Specialist 4 (ECEAP Lead Teacher) plans, implements and documents developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with ECEAP Standards. The position ensures a safe, healthy, and inclusive classroom environment; provides day-to-day direction to instructional support staff; and builds positive, trust-based relationships with children and families to support school readiness and family engagement.This position is open until filed.This is a grant funded position.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & OTHER DUTIESEssential FunctionsInteract positively and responsively with all children to support individual learning goals, social-emotional development, and emotional regulation.Actively supervise children and intervene quickly to ensure safety, model appropriate behavior, Plan, implement and save a weekly record developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Creative Curriculum and ECEAP Performance Standards.Enter lesson plans and assessments in Teaching Strategies Gold/Smart Teach.Conduct ongoing observations and use data to individualize instruction and inform classroom planning.Manage and organize classroom spaces and materials in accordance with ECEAP program standards.Conduct daily indoor and outdoor safety checks and maintain an orderly, engaging learning environment.Demonstrate effective time-management to ensure readiness for daily activities and routines.Direct and monitor the daily work of Teacher Assistants, practicum students, interns and volunteers.Provide guidance, feedback, and evaluation for practicum students and interns in collaboration with program leadership.Develop, nurture, and maintain respectful, strength-based relationships with families.Conduct family conferences and home visits that meet family needs and ECEAP program standards.Communicate regularly with families regarding child progress, classroom activities, and program expectations.Ensure daily health practices are followed, including health screenings, handwashing, tooth brushing, and first aid as needed.Implement emergency preparedness procedures and maintain compliance with health and safety regulations.Participate in family-style meal service, serve meals and snacks, complete meal attendance using USDA point-of-service guidelines, and supervise children during meals by sitting and engaging with them.Maintain accurate classroom attendance, bus sign-in/sign-out records, and daily parent sign-in/sign-out documentationEnsure required documentation is completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with program, state, and federal requirements.Participate in PSESD in-service training, staff meetings, and required professional learning opportunities.Implement a personal professional development plan and complete required annual STARS continuing education hours.Non-Essential/Other FunctionsAccountable for keeping personal development up to date; adding to skills and knowledge through courses that may be available through the Bates Technical College courses, professional development committees, etc.Participate actively and collaboratively on committees for college as needed including but not limited to staff recruitment, college councils, etc.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Additional activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice to meet college needs.Supervisory Responsibilities This position provides daily functional direction to classroom staff, volunteers, and practicum students but does not include formal supervisory authority over classified employees.QUALIFICATIONSMinimum QualificationsAssociate's degree in Early Childhood Education ORAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in another field plus 30 quarter credits in Early Childhood EducationAdditional RequirementsCompletion of Washington State Child Care Basics/STARS requirementOne (1) year of classroom experience working with children birth to fiveAbility to communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing (unless serving as designated language support for dual language learners)Allowable SubstitutionIf necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources for comparability.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field with 30 quarter credits in ECEThree (3) years of Lead Teacher experience in childcare and /or ECEAP settingsEQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENTBATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in its programs and activities in accordance with college policy, and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. Bates publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Disability Support Services Office at 253.680.7010. Inquiries regarding Bates' non-discriminatory policies, including Title IX and ADA, should be directed to HRThis recruitment announcement may be changed and/or modified without notice.Available Benefits to Eligible EmployeesAs a higher education employee, you and your qualified family members are eligible for a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, long-term disability, as well as other optional benefits.Medical/Dental PlansEmployees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for eligible dependents.Bates provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:Uniform Dental Plan - Preferred Provider OrganizationDeltaCare - Managed Care PlanWillamette Dental - Managed Care PlanBates provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:Davis Vision by MetLifeEyeMedMetLife VisionRetirement PlansFaculty and Exempt PositionsFaculty have to choose between either the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), also known as TIAA or Plan 3 of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Click to compare the two plans.Exempt have to choose between either the SBRP or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.SBRP (TIAA) is a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salaryEmployer Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salaryTRS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%Employer Contribution: 9.53 of gross salaryPERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%Employer Contribution: 9.03% of gross salaryClassified PositionsClassified employees have to choose between either the Plan 2 or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.PERS Plan 2 is a defined benefits plan with the following contribution rates:Employee Contribution: 6.36% of gross salaryEmployer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salaryPERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salaryEmployee and employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.Bates provides $35,000 basic life insurance for death from any cause and $5,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment at no cost to the employee. Employees can enroll in additional low cost life insurance for themselves and dependents.Bates provides a basic LTD insurance plan at no cost to employees. The basic plan pays a maximum of$240 per month after 90 days of total disability. The optional LTD plan pays 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by any deductible income such as social security or retirement benefits.Employee cost is dependent upon benefit waiting period chosen.Other Optional BenefitsLeaves and HolidaysVacationEligible exempt and classified employees accrue annual leave at rates determined by their employee status, ranging from 7 to 16 hours per month when eligible.Sick LeaveEligible classified, faculty, and exempt staff accrue sick leave monthly. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should refer to their negotiated agreement for sick leave rules and accrual rates.HolidaysBates observes the following holidays/non-work days:Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, JuneteenthPersonal Leave/Family LeaveIn addition to vacation and sick leave, eligible employees receive personal and family leave each fiscal year at rates determined by their employee statusPlease Note: All information above is subject to change based on, but not limited to, employment status, legislative mandates, or College policy changes01Do you have an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR an associate or bachelor's degree with 30 quarter credits in Early Childhood Education?YesNo02Please describe your experience in childcare, including any lead teacher experience.