Lead Infant 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 Infant Program (ages 2 -16 months) provides a peaceful, nurturing environment where teachers are committed to meeting each child where they are at developmentally and helping them discover their own curiosity, compassion and love of learning. 

This position is Monday - Thursday, 32+ hours/week. The lead teacher works with two assistant teachers with no more than 6 students. 

About Your Role 

Our infant teachers talk and sing with the babies, rock them, hold them and support their unique development at each stage, celebrating and sharing milestones along the way. As our infants get older, teachers offer art projects, sensory experiences, and other similar activities as well as spend time outside exploring the natural environment. As a Lead Infant Teacher, you lead your team of assistant teachers, ensuring the safety and development of the infants by organizing feeding and sleeping systems, daily classroom flow, and team communication. You build relationships with families, tracking student development and initiate conferences twice yearly. As part of the Infant teaching team, you attend level meetings, staff meetings, and annual in-service days, as well as participate in school-wide events and celebrations. 

What You'll Do

• Guides daily activities including: preparing bottles and food, dressing and undressing, diaper needs, nap time, and offering regular sensorial, gross and small motor work to promote healthy development of each infant in the program. 
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, Montessori-inspired curriculum including classroom materials that are rotated frequently 
• 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 by supporting the unique social-emotional learning that happens in an infant classroom and using an age-appropriate Positive Discipline approach for conflict resolution. 
• 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 infant-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). 

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 professional development opportunities 

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.