EPIC Early Learning is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Preschool Team Leader to join our team. As a private, nonprofit organization, EPIC has been providing early childhood educational services to children and families in Central Washington for over 45 years. Our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential through nurturing relationships, engaging experiences, and high-quality education.
The Team Leader position is responsible for teaching a full-day preschool session and will provide day-to-day oversight of other classroom staff. The person will ensure that the classroom provides an educational environment that is developmentally and linguistically appropriate and accommodates children's individual rates of development as well as individual interests, temperaments, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles. The Team Leader will ensure that the team's work is done in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, USDA requirements, state licensing requirements and agency policies and procedures.
Requirements
1. Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education or Development, or a related field*
2. Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training.
3. Demonstrated work experience of at least two (2) years lead teaching experience in a preschool setting.
4. Documental work experience in the training and mentoring of classroom staff.
5. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, ability to work very closely with other team members, ability to grasp a team-centered approach to delivery of services for children and families.
*Candidates who do not meet the minimum education requirement would need to hold a current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent Preschool certificate, enroll in a higher education institution towards an AA in ECE, be on a Professional Development Plan with a confirmed deadline and additionally be on an approved waiver by the Office of Head Start.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Responsibilities
- Communicate and embody EPIC's mission, values, and policies in daily work with staff, clients, and children.
- Support EPIC's Learning Organization and coaching philosophy to promote skill development and collaboration.
- Model and reinforce EPIC's core workplace values and culture across all job duties.
- Foster and uphold a culture of safety throughout all environments where children are present.
- Practice effective, honest, and confidential communication with staff and families; maintain professional boundaries.
- Serve as the lead classroom teacher on a daily basis.
- Mentor and model best practices for co-teachers in managing a developmentally appropriate classroom.
- Plan and implement programs according to performance standards and component plans.
- Create classroom schedules, orient new team members, and supervise volunteers.
- Coordinate and conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences, in collaboration with family advocates.
- Maintain and train staff on required documentation (e.g., lesson plans, home visits, IFSPs, referrals).
- Collaborate with Mental Health and Special Services Consultants to support children with special needs.
- Assist with staff scheduling and ensure adequate classroom coverage; escalate staffing needs when necessary.
- Manage classroom inventory and ensure equipment/materials are safe and organized.
- Implement and support policies on child abuse and neglect, guidance, and supervision.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and responsive classroom environment; provide emergency care as needed.
- Ensure mandatory reporting of child abuse, neglect, and policy violations per agency and legal requirements.
- Actively participate in meetings, trainings, parent events, and other program activities.
- Document and enter data related to lesson plans, child development, outcomes, and progress tracking.
- Analyze child progress reports and adapt instruction to meet developmental needs.
- Actively generate and track in-kind contributions as required.
- Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPICs culture of Speak up, Speak out .
Pay Level: $23.78 - $27.41 per hour, non-exempt
Position Duration: 9 months per year
Position Closes: August 11, 2025
Benefits
· Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans
· Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)
· Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)
· Paid Holidays (9)
· Employee Assistance Program
· Basic Life Insurance
· 403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)
As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.
Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, TB skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee. Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee). Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella. Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment). Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within 30 days of employment). Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards. Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training. CEO Approval.