Recreation Leader II - Preschool Lead Teacher

Position Summary: The Recreation Leader II – Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering developmentally appropriate learning experiences and recreational activities for children ages 3 to 5 in a Washington State-licensed childcare program, maintaining a safe and inclusive classroom, communicating with students’ families, and providing day-to-day leadership to assigned recreation staff while ensuring compliance with applicable state licensing requirements and City policies and procedures This is a half-time, non-represented position generally scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan, prepare, and lead developmentally appropriate preschool learning experiences and recreational activities for children ages 3 to 5, including language and literacy, early math and science, creative arts, music and movement, physical activities, and social-emotional development. Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and well-organized classroom environment with age-appropriate routines, transitions, activities, and behavior guidance practices. Supervise children and monitor their safety, health, behavior, and well-being during classroom activities, transitions, outdoor play, and other structured and unstructured program activities. Observe children's participation and development and complete required assessments, observations, attendance records, incident reports, and other program documentation accurately and timely. Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents and guardians regarding program activities, classroom experiences, children's participation, and concerns requiring attention or follow-up. Lead daily preschool program operations during assigned hours, including preparation, opening and closing procedures, transitions, cleanup, and coordination of program activities and staff. Follow and implement applicable Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) childcare licensing requirements, City policies, procedures, health and safety standards, and program protocols. Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming classroom and program environment; monitor supplies, equipment, and facility conditions and report needs or hazards as appropriate. Respond appropriately to injuries, illnesses, behavioral concerns, emergencies, and other safety issues in accordance with training, licensing requirements, and City procedures, including administering CPR, AED, or First Aid when required and within the scope of current certification. Attend required meetings and training and perform other related duties as assigned. Other Duties and Responsibilities: The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Qualifications: Minimum Requirements Age 18 or older. Three (3) years of prior experience working with preschool-aged children in a childcare, preschool, recreation, education, or similar setting. Current CPR and First Aid certifications. Current WA State Food Handler Card. Completion of 30 hours of State Training and Registry System (STARS) Basic Licensing Guidebook within 6 months of hire, unless the employee meets an applicable educational exemption. Successful completion of a criminal background check and fingerprinting as required by DCYF. Written documentation of a current Mantoux TB skin test prior to beginning employment. Continuing Education: Attend all required City, division, program, and licensing-related training. Maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications. Complete 10 hours of required annual STARS training. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3 to 5. Knowledge of preschool classroom management, positive behavior guidance, child supervision, and age-appropriate teaching practices. Knowledge of child health, safety, emergency response, and applicable childcare licensing requirements. Skill in planning, organizing, and leading engaging preschool activities and adapting activities to meet individual and group needs. Skill in establishing positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with young children and their families. Skill in communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with children, parents and guardians, coworkers, supervisors, and the public. Skill in providing day-to-day leadership, training, coaching, and guidance to assigned staff. Ability to maintain active supervision of children and remain attentive to safety and behavioral needs in a busy and dynamic environment. Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond calmly and appropriately to behavioral, safety, operational, and emergency situations. Ability to organize work, prioritize competing responsibilities, manage time effectively, and adjust plans in response to changing program needs. Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records and documentation. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, policies, procedures, licensing requirements, and safety protocols. Ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with coworkers and members of the public and contribute positively to a team environment. Ability to enforce program rules and expectations consistently, fairly, tactfully, and respectfully. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in a preschool classroom and recreation facility and may include outdoor work in playgrounds, parks, or other program areas. The position requires frequent interaction with young children and may involve working in environments with moderate to high levels of noise, activity, and interruptions. The employee must be able to remain alert and attentive for extended periods while actively supervising children and responding promptly to safety needs. Work may require frequent sitting and standing; walking; bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and working at floor level; moving throughout classrooms and outdoor play areas; and safely navigating stairs and uneven surfaces. The position requires sufficient vision, hearing, communication ability, hand and finger coordination, and mobility to safely supervise children, conduct activities, operate program equipment, complete documentation, and respond to emergencies. The employee may be required to lift, carry, move, or assist with program materials, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the physical demands of the position. Supervision Received: Direct supervision is provided by the Recreation Programmer and Recreation Coordinator or their designee. May receive additional direction or periodic supervision from the Recreation Supervisor. Supervision Exercised: Provides day-to-day direction, training, coaching, and guidance to assigned Recreation Aides, Recreation Leader I employees, Recreation Specialists, or other program staff, as assigned. Compensation: Hourly wage range: $22.22–$27.32 The full pay range is posted for transparency purposes. New hire’s compensation is placed between the start and midpoint of the range, based on qualifications, skills and experience. This approach ensures internal equity, as well as room for growth and progression within the pay band over time. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the city and the employee and is subject to change by the city as the needs of the city and the requirements of the job change. The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Mountlake Terrace