Little Starʼs Infant Program provides a Montessori-inspired, 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.
Our emphasis on individual care, paired with our low student-to-teacher ratio, allows our teachers to follow each babyʼs own rhythms for sleeping, eating and daily activities. 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.
Our infant classrooms serve children ages six weeks to 18 months, so it is crucial that teachers are able to support a range of skills and development across this age range within the same classroom environment. Teachers work as a group of 2 or 3 throughout the day, staying within a ratio of 3 infants per teacher, with a maximum of 8 infants in the classroom.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
-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.
-Ability to fulfill all Washington State's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) requirements (TB test, MMR vaccination & pass a portable background check.)
-Willingness to complete training upon hire: Food Handler’s certificate, Pediatric First Aid/CPR, HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate, and Safe Sleep certificate (paid).
-Completion of initial 30 hour STARS training (completed within 6 months of hire, $500 stipend upon completion).
Scheduling:
The position is part time (roughly 10-20 hours per week), with a possibility for increased hours.
Wage and Benefits:
-Competitive wages ($18-$21+ per hour, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications)
-4% retirement matching program
-Accrued paid time off at 0.025 hours per hour worked + 1 week vacation
-Paid vacation after 6 months of hire
-50% discount on your child’s enrollment at Little Star
-Annual health stipend
- Flexible scheduling with weekday/daytime hours
- Positive and supportive work environment with a fun and dedicated team
- Make a difference in the lives of children and families