SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Located just outside of Seattle, WA, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) was founded in 1949, and is the only public institute of technology in Washington State, that provides students with the latest cutting edge skills relevant to today’s workplace. LWTech offers ten applied bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 associate degrees and 93 professional certificates, in 43 areas of study, including STEM-focused programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

LWTech serves the Eastside and is located within the city of Kirkland, which is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Kirkland is home to companies such as GoDaddy, Google, Astronics and EvergreenHealth, and the college is within minutes from Microsoft and Nintendo.

Learn more about LWTech's Mission, Vision, Values, and Core Theme

LWTech is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its staff and faculty. We serve a student population of 6,500 that come from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and are working to improve access and successful educational outcomes for all students. We are actively seeking applicants that will help to balance our employee workforce to align with our students and community. Questions regarding the College's commitment to diversity and our campus culture may be directed to Human Resources. For more information on our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Council, please click on the link.

This is lead teacher position for the early childhood center located at LWTech. The Early Learning Center encourages discovery, independence, self-regulation, problem solving and exploration in a safe, stimulating environment. Our program is based on a child-centered philosophy that accepts each child at their own developmental level and encourages them to learn through exploration and experiences. The lead teacher is required to create, record, implement, maintain and evaluate an age appropriate, culturally respectful curriculum and learning environment for the children enrolled at the early learning center.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan, implement and evaluate a weekly curriculum, activities for the classroom and outdoors, based on individual and group development.
• Assume responsibility for room arrangement, rotation of materials to create an engaging environment designed for exploration
• Observe and record behaviors and developmental skills of all children enrolled at the early learning center; make program adjustments based on these observations
• Prepare summaries of each child's developmental program using observations and samples of child's work
• Establish and maintain respectful interactions and relationships with the children, staying engaged and supporting their ongoing growth and development
• Initiate and maintain positive partnerships with families through daily communication, interaction and scheduled conferences
• Offer guidance and positive feedback to early childhood education students, volunteers, and lower classified positions
• Maintain a healthy, safe environment for children in program following the guidance of the Department of Early Learning childcare licensing requirements
• Work as a positive team member, providing support and collaboration to improve the overall program
• Perform the work of lower classified positions as necessary; perform related duties as required
• Take leadership role in the absence of management

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age and high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Early Childhood Education short certificate (20 college credits). If certificate is in process it must be completed no later than January 1st, 2024. Associate degree in early childhood education (45 college credits) preferred
• Must meet licensing requirements for Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) including registration in Managed Education and Registry Tool (MERIT) and current DCYF portable background check. Educational record must be current.
• Completion of Childcare Basics (STARS 30-hour course)
• Minimum two years of full-time early learning work experience in a lead role, specifically with children ages 1yrs old – 6yrs old in a group setting, or equivalent education/experience
• Knowledge of Washington State Developmental Guidelines for Early Childhood Education, experience in Early Achiever Rating System preferred
• Have or obtain within 90 days of employment: current infant/child CPR & Basic First Aid; Bloodborne pathogen training, and Food Handler’s Permit
• Proof of current negative (tuberculosis) TB skin test and Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) immunity
• completion of criminal history investigation through MERIT required before first day of employment
• Be physically able to lift 50 lbs.; able to participate with children in indoor and outdoor physical activities 6 – 8 hours per day and able to respond quickly to emergency situations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated ability to supervise a group of children and their activities within the state mandated child to adult ratios for designated age group
• Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with children, families, community members and staff of diverse ages, backgrounds, cultures and abilities
• Ability to be responsive to the needs of a diverse student population and community
• Effective interpersonal skills and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work in a team environment and build constructive, respectful working relationships characterized by a high level of cooperation and mutual regard
• Ability to contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of center goals
• Ability to use computer, related software and technologies to maintain documentation and electronic communication with staff and families.
• Requires consistent attendance and punctuality

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This is a union covered position. As defined by the current classified bargained agreement and MOU D, newly hired employees shall be placed between Step C $3,579 and Step G $4,200 of the salary schedule in Appendix A of the Classified Union Bargaining Agreement. Ongoing (Step H- Step M) step advancement is defined by the classified bargained agreement.

Salary placement for current classified employees is per the classified bargained agreement.

The Classified Bargained Agreement and Appendix can be found here.

Required Online Application Materials:

• 
  Online application
  
• Current resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process

Conditions of Employment:

• Official transcripts/certifications will be required upon employment
• Other conditions that may apply will be detailed upon the offer of employment
• Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background/reference checks