Public Library Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

About the Play & Learn Program

In partnership with Child Care Resources, King County, and the Seattle Public Library, Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is a program for parents and caregivers of young children to learn and explore together. This facilitated program is designed to support the development of children’s school readiness skills and to provide education and support for parents and caregivers. Play and Learn is a free program primarily funded by King County. Adults accompany children for the duration of the program. Play & Learn groups are structured with child-directed free play, coordinated group activity, and intentional caregiver learning.

Position Summary

As a Play & Learn Facilitator, you’ll lead weekly Kaleidoscope Play & Learn (KPL) groups for children ages 5 and under in community-based settings such as libraries and parks. This role is perfect if you’re looking for a part-time and flexible work in early childhood education. You’ll even earn STARS credits toward your professional development, helping you build your skills and advance your career in early childhood education.

You’ll deliver interactive, developmentally appropriate sessions that promote school readiness and support the children and their caregivers.

Work Schedule

Currently, Play & Learn groups are facilitated at the following Seattle Public Library branches:

• Mondays: Rainier Beach Branch, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Tuesdays: Lake City Branch, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Thursdays: Northgate Branch, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

• Fridays: Columbia City Branch, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

There are a few mandatory Denise Louie Education Center training/meetings./events for all staff throughout the year of which will be communicated in advance. The schedule and locations are subject to change, with the total of up to 12 hours per week.

Essential Functions

• Set up and clean up meeting spaces in accordance with DLEC’s safety protocols.

• Perform research, plan and facilitate weekly in-person and/or virtual Play & Learn sessions using developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive activities.

• Lead bilingual or multilingual storytime, creative play, and group activities.

• Collaborate with Play & Learn Coordinators and other staff to ensure alignment with program goals and funding requirements.

• Engage with caregivers to provide coaching, share resources, and make referrals as needed.

• Track attendance, document participant engagement, and support program reporting.

• Participate in training sessions, virtual facilitation, and outreach efforts.

• Identify and attend relevant meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Note: The job duties listed here are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties in order to meet the needs of DLEC.

Skills, Competencies and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement.

• Facilitators will be trained to use Child Care Resources’ Kaleidoscope Play & Learn curriculum, which is informed by decades of theory, research and practice in the fields of child development, family support and group practice.

• Experience engaging children ages 5 and under and their families, with the ability to facilitate group activities informed by early childhood education or caregiver coaching.

• Communicates confidently with children and adults in both group and individual settings; skilled at presenting program information and answering questions for audiences of all sizes.

• Ability to build and maintain a collaborative partnership with families based on mutual trust.

• Navigates and references local community resources that support families throughout King County.

• Collaborates with colleagues while maintaining the ability to work independently.

• Demonstrates strong time management, takes initiative, and reliably follows through on responsibilities.

• Engages respectfully and inclusively with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds, as well as varying ability levels; demonstrates empathy, compassion, and a commitment to inclusion.

• Ability to facilitate sessions both in-person and virtually.

• Able to pivot quickly and adjust plans to meet group needs while staying aligned with curriculum goals.

• Able to work a regular but flexible schedule, including attending Kaleidoscope Play & Learn and DLEC’s trainings as needed.

• Computer proficiency and knowledge of basic office equipment.

• Bilingual in a language spoken by DLEC parents; Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish or African language preferred.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license and daily access to a personal, legally licensed vehicle with proof of current automobile insurance or access to reliable source of transportation.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Demands: To perform the job, the employee must be able to lift and transport materials (up to 25 lbs), kneel, bend, sit on the floor, and work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions: The work is typically performed in an early childhood environment, with moderate to loud noise.

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The working conditions are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment Requirements

All staff must comply with state vaccination guidelines, including MMR, COVID, and provide a negative TB test (within the last 12 months) or an x-ray, as well as a pre-employment physical. Medical or religious exemptions may be requested, and if approved, weekly testing will be required.

Employment or volunteer service at Denise Louie Education Center is conditioned on a criminal background check as required by child care licensing and Head Start Performance Standards. The 60 categories of criminal convictions or pending charges disqualifying a person from having access to children in child care are in WAC 388-330-040.

Certain positions require degrees, coursework, or other certifications. You will be asked to provide proof of your stated education prior to hire.

Pay Rate

This position offers a fixed rate of $28.56 per hour, with no flexibility in the pay rate.

Benefits

A Flex Employee is one who is scheduled to work fewer than 20 hours a week. Flex employees are eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO), which accrues based on hours worked. They are also eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan, including employer matching. Please note that medical benefits are not offered for Flex Employee positions.