Join One of the Most Important Roles at Whispering Willows Academy
Whispering Willows Academy is seeking a dependable, energetic, and highly flexible Full-Time Float Teacher to become one of the most valuable members of our teaching team.
Unlike teachers assigned to a single classroom, our Float Teacher supports the entire Academy by working with children from 6 weeks through school age and providing assistance wherever it is needed most throughout the day.
At Whispering Willows Academy, we believe that when teachers are supported, children thrive.
Because of this philosophy, we consider our Float Teachers to hold one of the most important positions within our center. Their work helps ensure every classroom remains fully supported, every teacher receives timely breaks, and every child continues receiving safe, nurturing, high-quality care throughout the day.
We know that caring for young children requires tremendous patience, energy, and emotional investment. By ensuring our teaching staff have the opportunity to take their scheduled breaks, recharge, and receive support when classrooms become busy, our Float Teachers play a critical role in preventing burnout, promoting staff well-being, and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
This position is much more than simply "covering breaks." Our Float Teachers keep the entire Academy running smoothly by adapting quickly, stepping confidently into any classroom, and supporting both children and teachers wherever they are needed.
If you love variety, enjoy working with children of all ages, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and find satisfaction in helping others succeed, we'd love to meet you.
About Whispering Willows Academy
Whispering Willows Academy is a nature-based early learning center dedicated to nurturing the whole child through hands-on exploration, meaningful relationships, and play-centered learning.
Guided by our Wonderful Woodland Garden Curriculum, we believe children learn best through curiosity, creativity, outdoor experiences, and supportive relationships. Our educators work together to create a safe, joyful, and welcoming environment where children develop confidence, independence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our approach is built upon four core principles:
Nature-Based Learning
Nature is an essential classroom. Children spend time exploring gardens, seasons, wildlife, natural materials, outdoor play, and hands-on discovery experiences that promote curiosity, resilience, confidence, and environmental appreciation.
Play-Centered Growth
Play is the foundation of early learning. Through imaginative play, sensory exploration, building, storytelling, art, science, and movement, children strengthen their cognitive, physical, language, and social-emotional development while following their own interests.
Positive Discipline
We believe relationships come before correction. Our educators teach emotional regulation, empathy, cooperation, problem-solving, and respectful communication through encouragement, redirection, and connection rather than punishment.
A Home Away From Home
Every child deserves to feel safe, welcomed, loved, and valued. Our classrooms are designed to feel warm, comfortable, inclusive, and responsive so children and families feel a true sense of belonging.
Position Overview
The Float Teacher supports every classroom within the Academy and should be comfortable working with children from infancy through school age.
This position requires exceptional flexibility and adaptability. Classroom assignments may change several times throughout the day based upon enrollment, staffing needs, teacher breaks, licensing ratios, meetings, or unexpected absences.
The successful candidate understands that flexibility is not simply encouraged—it is an essential function of this position.
Primary ResponsibilitiesTeacher Support & Break Coverage
One of the Float Teacher's most important responsibilities is ensuring every classroom teacher receives timely and uninterrupted breaks throughout the day.
Responsibilities include:
- Following the center's break schedule efficiently.
- Moving promptly between classrooms as breaks are completed.
- Supporting teachers before, during, and after breaks.
- Helping maintain smooth daily operations throughout the center.
- Ensuring classrooms remain appropriately staffed during teacher lunches, meetings, trainings, and planning time.
- Returning immediately to the next assigned classroom once coverage is complete.
- Working efficiently while maintaining high-quality care for children.
Classroom Support
- Assist Lead and Assistant Teachers in every classroom throughout the Academy.
- Help implement lesson plans and daily activities.
- Read stories, facilitate learning experiences, and supervise play.
- Assist with transitions and classroom routines.
- Jump into any classroom with little notice while maintaining a calm, positive attitude.
Child Care & Supervision
Provide nurturing care for children from 6 weeks through school age, including:
- Bottle feeding
- Infant care
- Diapering
- Potty training
- Hygiene assistance
- Meal and snack supervision
- Nap supervision
- Outdoor play
- Comforting children during transitions
- Maintaining a safe and engaging environment
Maintaining Licensing Ratios
- Assist classrooms in maintaining Washington State licensing ratios.
- Provide immediate support when staffing needs change.
- Help ensure classrooms remain safely staffed throughout the day.
- Adapt quickly as classroom needs change.
Classroom Environment
- Maintain clean, organized classrooms.
- Sanitize toys, furniture, and learning materials.
- Help prepare learning centers and classroom activities.
- Assist with classroom setup and cleanup.
- Support safe indoor and outdoor environments.
Positive Guidance
Support children's emotional and social development by:
- Modeling respectful communication.
- Encouraging cooperation.
- Teaching emotional regulation.
- Redirecting challenging behaviors appropriately.
- Building trusting relationships with children.
Teamwork & Communication
- Work collaboratively with Directors, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and support staff.
- Communicate professionally and respectfully.
- Be willing to help wherever needed.
- Demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
- Contribute to a supportive workplace culture where every employee feels valued.
Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Loves working with children of all ages.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Enjoys variety rather than staying in one classroom.
- Is dependable and punctual.
- Understands the importance of teamwork.
- Can quickly adapt to changing schedules.
- Is organized and efficient.
- Takes pride in supporting fellow teachers.
- Understands that helping prevent teacher burnout benefits both staff and children.
- Can confidently transition between classrooms multiple times each day.
- Has a positive attitude and excellent work ethic.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- CPR & First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Washington State Food Handler's Permit
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Safe Sleep Training
- Negative TB Test
- Fingerprinting and Background Check Clearance
- Completion of the Washington State 30-Hour Child Care Basics Course (or willingness to complete)
- Ability to meet all Washington State DCYF licensing requirements
Lead Teacher Educational Requirement
Employees interested in future Lead Teacher opportunities must obtain an ECE Initial Certificate within five years of hire in accordance with Washington State requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in licensed childcare.
- Early Childhood Education coursework or degree.
- Experience caring for infants through school-age children.
- Experience with nature-based, Reggio-inspired, or play-based learning.
- Knowledge of positive discipline and trauma-informed care.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while also being an exceptional team player.
Benefits
- Competitive pay based on education and experience
- Paid professional development and training
- Opportunities for advancement as our Academy grows
- Supportive leadership team
- Paid Time Off (After Probationary Period)
- Childcare discounts (subject to availability)
Pay: From $17.13 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
