Recreation Specialist IV - Preschool Instructor

We're looking for a passionate and energetic Preschool Instructor to join our Parks and Recreation team. In this role, you'll plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities that support the growth and development of young children. From hands-on learning to themed crafts and outdoor adventures, you'll help create a fun, safe, and enriching environment where every day brings something new.

The incumbent in this position is responsible for planning and implementing the year-round or seasonal program for preschool-aged children. The position is within the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, and works under the supervisory direction of the Recreation Supervisor-Youth Programs. The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plan and implement age appropriate recreation/learning activities for children that support social-emotional, cognitive and physical skill development.
• Prepare and submit weekly/monthly thematic lesson plans, program calendars, and parent newsletters; gather and or purchase necessary materials for instruction.
• Maintain an organized and classroom structure and daily maintenance that is conducive to the educational process and the units/themes being taught.
• Lead cooperative large and small group activities; storytelling, songs, games, circle time, arts & crafts.
• Plan, develop and implement special events/programs such as guest speakers and performers, participant birthdays, holiday celebrations and classroom parties.
• Prepare and distribute healthy and nutritious snacks daily; monitor food intake of children with dietary restrictions.
• Maintain daily records of program attendance, inventory supplies required/used, and identify equipment needs; maintain files on all participants, including authorized parent/guardian waiver forms and trip/activity release forms.
• Coordinate, supervise and arrange transportation for participants on various field trips.
• Direct and monitor volunteers, assigning them to work at specific stations/activities each day, track their time and recognize their contributions.
• Maintain accurate records of any incidents, property damage, accidents, late fees etc., involving program participants or staff; prepare written reports as necessary.
• Monitor program participants and maintain written documents regarding behavior and skills; meet with parents as necessary; observe and assess student progress; distribute and collect program evaluation forms on a regular basis.
• Attend weekly/bi-monthly staff meetings and provide an evaluation of the program events.
• Ensure safe storage and usage of equipment and supplies; set up and take down equipment as needed for program activities; clean rooms, facilities and/or equipment as necessary.

Job Location and Equipment Utilized: Work is performed in both an indoor and outdoor environment, in all types of weather. Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment and personal computer with associated software and peripherals; outdoor play equipment, and other specialized equipment specific to recreation activities. Schedule may include evening and weekend activities/events.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clerical skills, including typing, filing, and operation of computers in Windows and Adobe environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, co-workers, volunteers, and elected officials; must possess good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to promote good public relations and maintain effective interpersonal relations.
• Ability to problem solve effectively.
• Ability to work in a noisy environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to plan and carry out lessons appropriate to the developmental level of 3-5 year olds.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, with attention to detail and with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to work with young children with varying skill levels.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to speak and hear to effectively exchange information.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time (several hours).
• Ability to kneel, crouch or bend at the waist to install/move equipment and lead activities.
• Visual acuity to observe program participants, ensuring their safe participation.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and/or supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity to set up/dismantle play equipment used in recreation activities.
• Ability to operate a 15 passenger van.

Associate's degree or certification in early childhood development or related field plus one year experience working with pre-school aged children, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Must have a valid State Driver's License and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier, possess a Food Handlers Card and current child and adult First Aid and CPR certifications, or be able to obtain them within one month of employment and complete Blood Borne Pathogen training. Incumbent must also pass the Washington State Patrol background check. The typical hours for this position are 7:45am-3:45pm Monday-Friday. This position is mid August to the end of June each year.

First review of applications is June 17, 2025.

Recreation Specialist IV - Preschool Instructor is also classified as Recreation Specialist IV.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented; General Salary Ordinance