At a Glance!:Lower Columbia College's Head Start/ECEAP program is currently accepting applications for our open Lead Teacher position. In this role you won't just be managing a classroom—you will be the visionary designer of our early learning environment, directly shaping individualized curriculum and teaming with families to transform lives and build stronger communities.
Who You Are: Committed. Passionate. Caring. Skilled. These qualities define the Lead Teachers at Lower Community College. Our Teachers make a difference daily in the lives of preschool aged children and their families. If you share these qualities our Lead Teacher position is the right fit for you.
The Position: The Lead Teacher is responsible for an Early Childhood Center Classroom, supervising 13-15 children including classroom activities and meal times. Head Start Lead Teachers coordinate parent teacher conferences and home visits with families. In addition to classroom activities, this position will be responsible for maintaining records for all children and families. This position will work closely with parents, families, community partners, and other staff members.
We currently have one Lead Teacher opening:
This position is classified as an Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 under Washington State Classification Specifications. This position reports to the Area Manager.
Why LCC? Visit our Candidate Hub to learn more about our campus, culture, and benefits.
Successful candidates typically start towards the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases.
Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Start, see the Annual Report (Download PDF reader)and join our Social Media page.
Curriculum, Assessment, and Environment:
Carry out a high-quality, center-based program tailored for a classroom of 13–15 preschool children.
Maintain a healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environment for children.
Responsible at all times for the direct supervision and safety of all children.
Responsible for following all health and safety policies and procedures established by the program.
Maintain a learning environment aligned with Creative Curriculum philosophy and ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) components.
Develop lesson plans that integrate mandated elements, parental/cultural influences, and child- or adult-directed activities based on each child's unique strengths and developmental needs.
Record, evaluate, and analyze each child's growth and development to continually adapt activities to their individual social, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs.
Collaboration, Family Partnerships, & Professionalism
Partner with multi-disciplinary staff to seamlessly integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and social services for each family.
Meet with parents, staff, and external agencies to develop and review Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP), Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), and individual child goals.
Actively involve parents in classroom, center, and home learning activities, making every effort to communicate in their home language using interpreters.
Maintain strict family and program confidentiality, engage in regular reflective professional practice, and consistently model reliability, initiative, flexibility, and honesty.
Documentation & Case Management
Manage and maintain comprehensive case files for each child at the center site.
Submit all required administrative reports on time, including lesson plans, attendance, assessments, supply requests, monthly newsletters, and calendars.
Physical Requirements:
Seldom = 1 – 10% of the time
Occasionally = 11 – 33% of the time
Frequently = 34 – 66% of the time
Seldom:
In emergency situations, pick up children, up to 80 lbs. (with assistance)
Sit for long periods of time (up to 7 hours) during mandatory trainings
Occasionally:
Frequently:
Stack chairs
Bend over to pick up items and/or assist children
Sit either on child-sized chairs or the floor
Squat
Extended periods of standing
Maintain sight and sound supervision of up to 18 children with a co-teacher
During outside play
Lift – carrying classroom materials (5-10 lbs.).
This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications:
Degree Requirements:
Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education; OR
Bachelor degree in related field and AA in Early Childhood Education; OR
AA in Early Childhood Education and enrolled in a Bachelor program for Early Childhood Education; OR
If the above education qualifications are not met, a successful candidate must be willing to enroll in an Early Childhood Bachelor’s degree program, and be dedicated to obtaining a degree within 3 years of hire date.
One year of experience teaching in early childhood education, working with children from infancy to grade 3.
Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood milestones and the ability to apply this understanding to support diverse behavioral, emotional, and social needs.
Exceptional flexibility in managing shifting schedules, changing priorities, and dynamic child behaviors, while maintaining a positive, supportive environment.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills with a proven track record of working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders.
Prior experience supporting low-income, marginalized, or historically underrepresented populations with empathy and cultural humility.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance instructional duties, administrative reporting, and classroom logistics efficiently under tight timelines.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Two years of experience as a Lead Teacher in early childhood education, working with children preschool age (3 to 5).
Proven competence in designing and implementing diverse, age-appropriate learning experiences across early literacy, numeracy, science, language development, storytelling, music, and creative arts.
Prior to First Day of Employment
Washington State Patrol Background Check
Sex Offender Registry Check
TB test completed within the last year
Food Worker Card
Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting)
Unofficial Transcripts
Policy Council Approval
Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include:
MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles
The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.
How to apply:
An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):
Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position
Resume
References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor
Unofficial transcripts (if applicable)
Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Residency Requirement
To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.
Lower Columbia College Human Resources
For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at
[email protected].
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632,
[email protected], Phone number, (360) 442-2270, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.
Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.
The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.
Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct
Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.
Conditions of Employment
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to the WFSE HE collective bargaining agreement.
The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.
If you are hired and are proficient in another language, you will have to take a proficiency test to receive the 5% assignment pay.
Anticipated Start Date
LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.
