Position Type:
ECEAP Preschool Program/ECEAP Lead Teacher
Date Posted:
8/17/2026
Location:
Walla Walla
Date Available:
08/24/2026
Department: Early Learning
Location: Walla Walla, WA
Reports To: ECEAP Site Coordinator
Classification: FLSA Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday (8 hrs. per day / 180 days per year/late August - mid June)
Hourly Rate through Aug. 31: $24.94 (step 1/year 1)
Hourly Rate (26/27 SY) Sep. 1: $25.59 (step 1/year 1) - $28.80 (step 5/year 5)
Position is Open Until Filled
SUMMARY: Educational Service District 123 is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Early Childhood Education and Assistant Program (ECEAP) Lead Teacher position, located in the Walla Walla Center for Children & Families. The Lead Teacher is directly responsible for the overall care and planning for the classroom and individual children, including the learning environment and other staff and volunteers. The Lead Teacher provides children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. Additional collaboration with the assistant teacher to enhance the parent's role as the principal influence on the child's education and development is a foundational belief of the ECEAP Program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The lead teacher must demonstrate competency to:
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Observe and assess children's development.
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Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year. Develop an individualized learning plan for each child based on these observations and maintains complete confidential records on each child.
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Administer standardized screening tools on every child within 90 days of school entry. Completes re-screens and referrals as necessary.
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Analyze and plan classroom curriculum based on individual children's developmental needs and interests.
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Provide an integrated, child-centered, comprehensive curriculum and multicultural environment, which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.
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Plan and develop a daily schedule of classroom routines and activities.
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Prepare and implement lesson plans in accordance with the ECEAP program performance standards.
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Design the learning environment to meet individual and group needs and ensures that it reflects the culture of children, families, staff, and community.
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Implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities.
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Build positive relationships with children. Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.
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Build positive relationships with parents to encourage involvement and engagement in the educational program and their child's education journey.
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Conduct three hours of educational planning meetings annually with each child's family.
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Collaborate with Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom schedule/routine.
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Assist with planning, preparation and serving of snacks and meals; participates in and facilitates mealtime service, and joins children at the table for support and conversation.
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Administer first aid as needed. Check indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards. Work in collaboration with Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
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Assists with recruitment and training of family/community volunteers to participate in the classroom.
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Participate in interdisciplinary planning for children and families to include staffing, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans and other cross-component coordination efforts.
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Participate in ESD 123 in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to continue learning best practice strategies in the field.
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Collaborate with Asst. Teacher, families, and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families. This can include transitions to before and/or after-school care and between ECEAP and Kindergarten.
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Keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
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Maintain confidentiality.
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Follow all applicable ESD 123 Board policies and procedures and ECEAP Performance Standards.
Supervisory: None
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related duties as assigned.*
- Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Must have one of the following qualifications:
(a) An associate or higher degree in Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate ECE;
(b) DCYF approved equivalent; or
(c) High School Diploma or GED with an ESD 123 approved professional development plan (PDP) granting eligible new hires five (5) years from the date of hire to become fully qualified with (a) or (b) above.
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Cleared portable background check.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bilingual in English and Spanish language preferred, but not required.
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At least 2-3 years of experience working in a preschool classroom or similar setting is preferred.
Requires knowledge and ability to:
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Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.
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Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, staff and volunteers in a diverse environment.
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Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands and new instructional concepts.
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Ability to attend occasional evening meetings or trainings.
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Ability to supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.
Certification and Licenses:
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MERIT Portable Background Check (cleared before working directly with children)
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MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity
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Completion of one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) skin test, or treatment in accordance with WAC 110-300-0105(3).
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First aid and CPR card within 90 days of hire.
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Food Handler's Permit
POSITION BENEFITS:
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Opportunities to receive on the job training
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Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance. WA DRS SERS retirement plan. Medical reimbursement account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.)
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Access to the agency's wellness program
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Paid sick leave (10 days per full school year)
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Paid personal leave (up to 2 days per full school year)
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Work a typical school calendar with winter, spring, and summer break off.
COMPENSATION:
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Paid once a month on the last working day of the month.
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Receives an average monthly gross paycheck based on the number of days and hours assigned to the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31) and placement on the salary schedule.
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A full work calendar for this position is 180 days and 8 hours per day. Below is an example of a gross monthly paycheck for a full work year:
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$2,815.20 (step 1/year 1) - $3,169.20 (step 5/year 5)
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This amount may increase or decrease slightly based on hiring date and months remaining in the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31)
TRAITS THAT YOU MUST POSSESS:
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Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
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Flexible and can thrive in a fast-paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
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Possess confidence while being humble lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
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Hungry always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
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Smart have common sense about people. Good judgement and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.
THESE STATEMENTS MUST RESONATE WITH YOU:
"Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I'll figure it out."
"I am not sure, but I will find out for you."
"I have not done that before, but I can do it."
"I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach."
ABOUT OUR TEAM AND AGENCY
Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to the beliefs and behaviors outlined in our Culture Playbook.
We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 35% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under some hazardous conditions and lifting 35 or more pounds occasionally.
