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.
Responsibilities
- Promote and embody a positive, values-based workplace culture.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with staff, families, and support teams; maintain confidentiality.
- Teach daily in the assigned classroom and provide high-quality early childhood education.
- Mentor and model best practices for Teachers in classroom management and instruction.
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for children and families.
- Create and manage classroom schedules; orient and supervise classroom volunteers.
- Coordinate and conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits with the Family Services Teacher.
- Maintain and train others on documentation including lesson plans, home visit logs, IFSPs, and referrals.
- Collaborate with Mental Health and Special Services Consultants to support children's special needs.
- Ensure the classroom is adequately staffed and request assistance when needed.
- Manage and request classroom materials, keeping supplies organized and safe.
- Implement and promote policies on child abuse prevention, child guidance, and active supervision.
- Maintain a safe, sanitary, and supervised environment at all times; respond to emergencies and provide first aid/CPR when needed.
- Participate in meetings, training, parent events, and professional development opportunities.
- Complete all required documentation, data entry, lesson plans, and child progress reports.
- Analyze child progress data and adjust curriculum as needed to support individual development.
- Actively document and contribute to In-Kind support for program sustainability.
- 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”.
Requirements
- AA, BA, or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or Development, or in a related field (Preschool Team Leader). Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate and/or Infant/Toddler State Certificate (Infant/Toddler Team Leader).
- Childcare Basics 30-hours STARS training.
- Demonstrated work experience of at least two (2) years of lead teaching experience in a preschool, infant, or toddler age group.
- Documental work experience in the training and mentoring of classroom staff.
- Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, ability to work very closely with other team members, and ability to grasp a team-centered approach to delivery of services for children and families.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA in Early Childhood Education (Preschool Team Leader)/ AA in Early Childhood Education (Infant/Toddler Team Leader)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
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)
· Paid Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)
· Paid Holidays (11)
· Scholarship Available
· 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 thirty 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.