Lead Teacher

ABOUT AKIN:

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

**This is a temporary position from October 2026 - December 2026**

POSITION SUMMARY:

The lead teacher plans and implements comprehensive child development services and creates a positive learning environment with varied experiences. The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with the team to enhance the family's role and engagement as the primary influence in the child’s education and development. Meets or exceeds standards for Head Start Program Performance (HSPPS), State Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), Early Achievers (EA) and Akin policies and procedures. This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Contributes to the development of communicating mutual respect, mutual support, competence, and creativity among the team. Oversees daily classroom functions and operations, while supporting the teaching development of classroom team.
• Plans and develops a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities. Prepares and implements lesson plans in accordance with Head Start and ECEAP program performance standards. Provides an integrated, child-centered, environment, which meets the needs and interests of every child.
• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional needs
• Collaborates with teaching team to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom curriculum
• Communicates regularly and respectfully with families and involves them in the educational program. Encourages and supports families in working toward goals that they have set for themselves and their children.
• Collaborates with site team in planning and facilitating family events/meetings. When working with diverse populations, accesses interpreters
• Conducts a minimum of four (4) parent teacher conferences annually with each child’s family, including 2 home visits annually.
• Completes written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develops a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry. Maintains complete confidential records on each child
• Administers standardized screening tools on every child within 45 days of school entry. Rescreens and refers as necessary
• In collaboration with other site staff, supports and participates in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment (repeated below)
• Facilitates mealtime service following CACFP and family style dining requirements
• Teaches and oversees healthy habits in the classroom, i.e., handwashing, toothbrushing, etc. Administers first aid as needed. Checks indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards. Works in collaboration with the Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed
• Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.
• Participates in center family activities and events; assists in set-up and clean-up, welcomes and engages with families, and other event duties. These events may be after hours, and participation is required.
• Participates in in-service staff training, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year including but not limited to required required STARS trainings.
• Collaborates with families and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families.
• Collaborates with other site staff, supports and participates in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Able to lead and participate as positive, productive team member of the site’s multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children
• Ability to establish positive goal-oriented relationships with children, staff and families
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts
• Ability to perform clerical tasks such as recordkeeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Moderate noise (i.e. classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones)
• Typical classroom lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state
• Ability to work rotating schedule for duration of center operating hours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently, employee is required to walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 310lbs.
• Occasionally, sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50lbs, and use hands, fingers for keyboarding.
• Specific vision and speaking abilities required by this job include constant speaking/hearing in person and occasionally on the phone. Vision is required for observation of children and families in various environments
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA Degree in Early Childhood Education. Staff who do not meet Standard Qualifications may be hired if there is a Professional Development Plan submitted that describes how the individual will obtain full qualifications within five (2) [HM1.1]years of appointment
• Equivalent degrees and credentials from other states and countries are accepted; submitted and approved through Merit, Washington State’s monitoring system.
• Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting.
  • https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister
• A valid driver's license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

REQUIRED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE:

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification\
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Food Handler’s Permit
• Other assigned trainings

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $26.12 - $30.69 per hour for AA degree, and $28.74 - $34.48 per hour for BA degree, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

**This is a temporary position from October 2026 - December 2026**

WHY JOIN AKIN?:

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.

Education

Required

• Associate of Arts or better in Early Childhood Education

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.