The UCDS Studio Infant-Toddler Education Program, an innovative Reggio-inspired program, is seeking a curricular support teacher to join our school starting mid-May 2023. 

The UCDS Studio, located in Seattle, Washington is an early learning program serving students ages 6 weeks to 4 years old. The Studio allows our youngest students the opportunity to learn through play, investigation, and discovery. With an emphasis on communication and cooperation, learning also occurs through relationships with others, and we design experiences that support children to see themselves as active participants who make an impact in their communities.

UCDS Studio is comprised of highly collaborative teachers who are part of teaching teams that use observations about children to design innovative and responsive educational programs. The classroom curriculum reflects students’ wonderings, development, and relationships with each other and the world around them and learning emerges from children’s theories and ideas as they experiment, investigate, question, and explore. The curriculum design creates extended blocks of time for discovery, play, and group projects that feed and inspire children’s curiosity.

Applicants should hold an image of the teacher as a researcher, coach, and mentor who learns and grows alongside students in the classroom. Teachers at UCDS Studio lean into children’s inspirations and ideas, documenting the process of learning through notes and pictures, studying children’s behaviors and interests, and considering each unique individual both as their independent self and as part of the classroom community. 

Collegial relationships and a strong growth mindset are foundational to how our school functions. Each teacher and curricular support teacher at UCDS works as a member of a team to design and implement curriculum, instruct students, individualize learning, and support school-wide events and programs. In the spirit of innovation, faculty share teaching methods, materials, and assessment techniques within and beyond our school community. The process of collaboratively building, implementing, evaluating, and revising programs is at the core of UCDS and is required of every faculty member. 

We strongly encourage members of marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of other underrepresented groups, to apply and become part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive educational environment. 

Responsibilities

Art of Teaching 

• Assist and provide classroom support for all Studio classroom teachers and teams
• Implement the planned curriculum and build meaningful relationships with students.
• Practice thoughtful, respectful, and successful classroom management techniques.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and inspire students to participate fully in the learning process
• With the Curricular Support Teacher team, provide faculty/staff EDP  during in-service days and monthly staff meetings as needed. 
• With the Curricular Support Teacher team and in collaboration with classroom teachers, provide classroom coverage during parent/guardian conferences and classroom and individual planning times. 
• Carry out all policies according to The Studio educational philosophy, licensing regulations, The Studio Handbook, and The Studio Health and Safety Policies Handbook.
• Assist the lead teachers and other curricular support teachers in planning and implementing the daily schedule and routines for children in the classroom.
• Assist in providing all necessary care for young children such as changing diapers, preparing bottles, feeding, changing clothes, helping with naps, etc. 
• Assist the lead teachers in planning and implementing daily activities that are developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, follow an anti-bias perspective, and meet children’s developmental needs. 
• Assist the lead teacher and other curricular support teachers in preparing and gathering materials required to implement daily curriculum activities.
• Contribute to children’s portfolios and other forms of documentation, and track children’s developmental progress with support from the lead teacher.
• Maintain Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families  (DCYF) Statewide Training and Resource System (STARS) hours. 

Community

• Support teaching teams in carrying out the daily classroom routines, activities, and tasks. 
• Work with the lead teachers and other curricular support teachers to meet the health, safety, and developmental needs of students. 
• Provide and maintain a dynamic and safe environment 
• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including administrators, colleagues, staff, and parents/guardians in order to maintain constructive and professional relationships 
• Attend school-related events and meetings outside of the scheduled school day, i.e. parent/guardian informational meetings, curriculum nights, community events, etc. 
• Take part in pre-service and in-service professional development when not providing classroom coverage.
• Collaborate and work effectively in teams with colleagues 
• Employ strong interpersonal skills including being patient and positive. 
• Communicate with parents/guardians and families during beginning and end of day transitions as needed. 
• Complete other projects as assigned by the Studio Director or Studio Assistant Director 
• Attend and participate in planning meetings, in-service days, and monthly staff meetings when not providing classroom coverage. 
• Proactively communicate with the lead teachers and with the director/assistant director when appropriate, keeping them informed of significant happenings in the classroom and in the program.
• Help keep the classroom organized, clean, and safe according to licensing regulations and health and safety procedures.
• Keep personal information regarding children and their families confidential.
• Provide classroom coverage in all classrooms for planned and unplanned absences

Reflective Practice 

• Participate in annual goal setting and receive regular feedback, facilitated by the Studio Director and Studio Assistant Director. 
• Participate in continuing education opportunities, professional development, and professional learning opportunities at UCDS, the UCDS Institute, and in the larger community. 
• Actively complete other duties as assigned 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Able to sit on the floor for extended periods of time, be outside in all types of weather, and pick up heavy objects, including young children. 
• Routinely kneel, bend, crouch, stand, walk, and sit on child-sized chairs throughout the day.
• The work is typically performed in a school environment, with moderate to loud noise.
• Time spent outside every day with young children exploring our play spaces, surrounding neighborhood, and city. 
• May be expected to work occasional evenings, weekends, or overtime to support special programs/events. 
• Able to change diapers and perform all tasks associated with meeting the needs of children from 6 weeks-4 years of age, including feeding, changing clothes, holding/comforting, etc. 

Qualifications

• Inspired by children’s wonder and natural curiosity about the world around them. 
• At least one year of experience working with children in some capacity (coursework or a degree in early childhood education is preferred).
• Ability to relate well to children and sensitivity to their individual needs.
• Ability to work with children and adults from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Familiarity with  the Reggio-Emilia philosophy preferred 
• Strong speaking and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work with other staff members in a team teaching situation.
• Ability to take direction and constructive feedback and use it productively.
• Flexibility in assignments i.e. shifting schedules, moving between classrooms, shifts in duties and routines.
• STARS 30 Hours Basic Training (can be completed within the first 3 months of employment)
• Current CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse, Bloodborne Pathogens training, and negative TB certificates.
• Minimum age of 18 years

Start Date
Mid-May 2023

Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, salaried curricular support teacher position with full benefits.

Starting salary: $55,000

Full-time employees are eligible for the school’s generous and comprehensive benefits package subject to the discretion of the Head of School, which includes:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Saving Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with available employer matching 
• Paid sick leave
• Employer-paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Employer-paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and dependents 
• Wellness benefit to be used in items or services that promote wellness 
• Professional Development Opportunities 
• Free Parking 

How to Apply
We are currently scheduling interviews for this position, which begins as early as mid-May 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

If you are interested in applying for this position, click the “apply now” button to submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the following three questions:

1. What interests you about working at UCDS Studio? 
2. How do your experiences and qualifications directly relate to being a curricular support teacher at UCDS Studio? 
3. What is a teacher’s role in young children’s learning? 

Non-Discrimination Policy
University Child Development School is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to promoting diversity in the workplace and to seeking a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates. The School does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.