Co-Lead Preschool Teacher

Why Little Star? 

Little Star is celebrating its 43rd year of sparking children’s curiosity, compassion and sense of community through joyful learning and discovery. We are a Montessori-inspired school in the beautiful Methow Valley in North Central Washington, and serve over 100 students ages 0-6 across two campuses. We strive to be a place where every child can thrive because their unique and innate qualities are respected and nurtured. Our multi-age Early Childhood (ages 3-6) classroom environment provides an exciting and stimulating experience for children, and fosters great joy in learning as they make their own choices and discoveries. 

About Your Role 

As a Lead Early Childhood Teacher, you will work with a co-lead to plan curriculum, prepare activities, set the classroom and communicate with families. You will lead your classroom of up to 16 students with your co-lead or assistant teacher. Typical days start with classroom work, circle time, snack and then outside time. Afternoons flow into lunch, rest and activities or more outside time. You build relationships with families, tracking student development and initiating conferences twice yearly. As part of the Early Childhood teaching team, you attend level meetings, staff meetings, and annual in-service days, as well as participating in school-wide events and celebrations. 

What You'll Do 

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum including classroom materials that are rotated frequently
• Prepare regular activities including: a daily circle time, music and art, practical life activities, sensorial work and cooking projects and outdoor play. 
• Oversee the daily flow of the classroom, including following a daily routine; checking in with parents at beginning/end of day; daily setup and clean up 
• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by using the Positive Discipline approach to conflict resolution. 
• Maintain a safe, clean environment; practices hand washing and safe food handling procedures, and assure the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment including providing a daily rest time, supporting toileting needs, and prepare a daily afternoon snack. 
• Facilitate off-campus walking field trips to nearby natural areas while exercising the highest level of oversight and risk management. 
• Ensure respectful and open lines of communication with families, including answering emails daily, participating in conferences, and writing a monthly newsletter. 
• Comply with all continuing education requirements including annual training hours required through Washington State for licensed childcare providers.

Qualifications & Skills 

If you do not meet the qualifications below but would like to work at Little Star, we still encourage you to apply as there may be other opportunities available. 

• Montessori Certification or Bachelor's or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development or related field (preferred, not required) 
• 3 years experience working in a setting with preschool-aged children, preferably in a child-centered environment. 
• Can lift 30+ lbs 
• Basic computer literacy (ability to check and send emails, word processing) 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children, parents and other staff members. 
• Nurturing, calm, kind and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children and families. 
• Is creative, flexible, loving and patient. Requirements Upon Hire 
• Fulfill all Washington State's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) requirements (TB test, MMR vaccination & pass a portable background check.) 
• Completion of Food Handler’s certificate, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate, and Safe Sleep certificate. 
• Completion of initial 30 hour STARS training (completed within 6 months of hire). 
• Completion of Positive Discipline training (completed upon hire). Note: this position will have 24-32/week working in the Co-Lead Teacher Role. Candidates wanting 40 hours/week may spend time in an Assistant Teacher role in a different classroom or program. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Many of our teachers find Little Star to be the most supportive, community-oriented workplace they’ve experienced. We strive to support our teachers in ways big and small, and create a culture of learning and nurturing each other as well as our students. We offer: 

• Wages: $21-$24 an hour DOE, with annual wage increases 
• Healthcare: $750 annual health stipend 
• Time off: Accrued PTO and one week of paid vacation after 6 months of hire 
• Retirement: 4% retirement matching program 
• Enrollment Discount: 50% discount on your child’s enrollment 
• Career development: Regular training and development 
• Some flexibility in scheduling 

To Apply Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@littlestarschool.org. In your letter, please speak to your experience in education and enthusiasm for the role. 

Little Star School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, status as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered person, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, political or union ideology or affiliation, marital or parental status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in any of its activities or operations. These activities include but are not limited to student enrollment, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, families, members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors.