Lead Teacher - Licensed Program

Whatcomclubs; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost childcare

Employee assistance program

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

No weekend work

Sick leave

401k match

Job summary

Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is seeking a Lead Teacher for our Early Learning Centers to help children hit milestones through play, creativity, and social-emotional support.

You'll foster a developmentally appropriate, safe classroom, align with WA state standards, and support families while navigating WAC requirements, STARS training, TB tests, and background checks. This is a child-first, community-minded role.

Qualifications

• Play-First Mindset: you genuinely enjoy engaging with kids.
• The Essentials: willingness to complete WAC requirements, including 30-hour STARS training, TB test, and background check/fingerprinting.
• A Big Heart: commitment to reflecting and serving diverse Whatcom County neighborhoods.

Responsibilities

• Create Joy: implement activities that get kids moving, thinking, and growing (ages 1 month to 12 years).
• Be a Mentor: guide social-emotional development so every child feels seen.
• Lead the Way: ensure your classroom is a high-quality environment that meets WA state standards.

Skills

Play-First Mindset

STARS training

TB test

Background check

Job description

Lead Teacher: Shape the Future, Infinite Impact, Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County

The Mission

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County, we don't just "watch" kids-we build the next generation of community leaders. We are the largest youth-serving organization in the county, providing a safe, patient, and diverse space where every child belongs.

The Role

We are looking for Lead Teachers for our Early Learning Centers who believe that "play" is the most important work a child can do. You won't just be following a curriculum; you'll be the person who helps a child hit their next big milestone through fun, creativity, and social-emotional support.

Your Day-to-Day

• Create Joy: Implement activities that get kids moving, thinking, and growing (ages 1 month to 12 years).
• Be a Mentor: Guide social-emotional development in a way that makes every child feel seen.
• Lead the Way: Ensure your classroom is a high-quality environment that meets WA state standards.

What You Bring to the Club

You don't need to be a "corporate" educator-you just need to be dedicated. We'll help you navigate the logistics, but you'll need:

• A Play-First Mindset: You genuinely enjoy engaging with kids.
• The Essentials: Willingness to complete (or already have) WAC requirements, including 30-hour STARS training, TB test, and background check/fingerprinting.
• A Big Heart: A commitment to reflecting and serving our diverse Whatcom County neighborhoods.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: You'll see the difference you make every single day in the little "Wins".
• Community: Work in a supportive environment that models excellence for staff and students alike.
• Growth: We value our educators and provide the platform for you to enrich your career in early childhood education.

PAY RANGE

: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour DOE

BENEFITS:

• Low or no cost childcare for most employees registered with MERIT
• Employee assistance program (free to all employees)
• Paid holidays (8 for Full-Time and 5 for Part-Time) + 1 self-selected holiday per year
• Medical insurance for Full-Time (employee pays $81/month for employee only coverage)
• Dental insurance for Full-Time (base plan paid 100% by BGCWC for employee only coverage)
• Vision insurance for Full-Time (plan paid 100% by BGCWC for employee only coverage)
• Life Insurance/Supplemental/Spouse/Children Insurance available (50% of life insurance premium paid by BGCWC) for Full-Time employees
• Long Term Disability (50% of premium paid by BGCWC) for Full-Time employees
• No weekend work
• Sick Days accrual per WA State Sick Leave Law for part-time employees
• 401k plan after 60 days (up to 6% match after 1 year of service)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives. We value diversity - in backgrounds and experiences - and encourage people from all swaths of life to apply. Together we can build great futures for all youth in our community.