Lead Toddler 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 Toddler Program (ages 16 months to 3 years) provides movement, music, imaginative play, ample outdoor time, object manipulation, language development, exploration and socialization to spark a child's interest and ability. 

About Your Role 

As a Lead Toddler Teacher, you will be the leader of your team, planning curriculum, preparing activities, setting the classroom and communicating with families. You will lead your classroom of up to 11 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, nap and activities or more outside time. You build relationships with families, tracking student development and initiating conferences twice yearly. As part of the Toddler teaching team, you attend level meetings, staff meetings, and annual in-service days, as well as participating in school-wide events and celebrations. This position is 4 weekdays, 32+ hours/week. The lead teacher works with an assistant and no more than 11 students. 

What You'll Do 

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, Montessori-inspired 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 preparing a daily afternoon snack. 
• Facilitate off-campus walking field trips to nearby natural areas while exercising the highest level of oversight and risk management. 
• Model and ensure a respectful and open line 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 toddler-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 
• Ability to fulfill all Washington State's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) requirements (TB test, MMR vaccination & pass a portable background check.)  
• 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). 

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 starting wage, 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 

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.