I am a Holder of a WA State Initial ECE Certificate and I want to...
become a Child Care Center Lead Teacher

A Child Care Center Lead Teacher is directly responsible for the care and education of children and must provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education and ensure a safe learning environment. The Lead Teacher must demonstrate competency to observe and assess children's development, plan children's curriculum based on child development knowledge, design the learning environment, implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities, build positive relationships with children, plan guidance strategies for children,  involve parents, and honor differences.  View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements Page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Hiring Requirements:

  • 18 years of age 
  • High school Diploma or equivalent

Training Requirements: 

Need to be completed within 90 days of employment. 

  • Completed Child Care Basics
  • Completed all renewable health and safety training
    • First Aid
    • CPR
    • Bloodborne Pathogens 
    • Food Handlers (if serving snack and meals to children)
    • Safe Sleep (if applicable)

Full Education Requirements:

  • Initial Certificate or equivalent (within 5 years of hire)
  • Short Certificate or equivalent (within 2 years of completing Initial Certificate)

Educational Pathways

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