Preschool Lead Teacher

Associated-Recreation-Council; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with 5% match

Paid time off including 12 holidays +浮

Floating holiday

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Job summary

Associated Recreation Council (ARC) is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher for Ballard Community Center in Seattle. You will design and lead a developmentally appropriate program for 3–5 year olds enrolled in the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP), guiding a classroom team and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree (ECE or related) or MERIT-approved credentials with 30 ECE credits, plus DCYF preservice qualifications.

Qualifications

• Seattle Preschool Program requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, verified as “approved” in MERIT in ECE or related field.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college, verified as “approved” in MERIT, AND at least 30 approved ECE quarter credits verified through MERIT (up to 10 of these may be ECE-School Age hybrid credits).
• If educational requirements are not met, ARC offers an education plan to complete credentials within 4 years of employment.
• Certifications (required): DCYF Preservice Requirements and General Staff Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with DCYF WACs and SPP mandates.
• Lead classroom operations with a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment for ages 3–5.
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff for effective classroom management.
• Engage with families, staff, and partners to support child development and program success.
• Maintain a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10 for safety and supervision.
• Report to the Licensed Preschool Director for guidance and support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Bachelor’s degree or higher verified as “approved” in MERIT with 30 approved ECE quarter credits

Job description

Job Location – Ballard Community Center - Seattle, WAPosition Type – Full-timeStart: Summer 2026Starting Salary - $28.00-32.00/hr. (Employee may start at $32.00/hr upon verification of Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) education qualifications listed below)Full range - $28.00 - $35.00/hr. (Employee may earn up to $35.00/hr with continued employment.)If you have experience working with groups of preschool children ages 3-5 and have a passion for teaching, Associated Recreation Council (ARC) has a role for you as a Preschool Lead Teacher at Ballard Community Center. This is a full-time role that boasts competitive pay and great benefits.ARC, in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, serves Seattle by offering access to licensed childcare and a variety of recreational and lifelong learning programs, classes, and activities. In this role, the Preschool Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading engaging activities for preschool participants ages 3 to 5, enrolled in the SPP. The Preschool Lead Teacher will create and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum, guide classroom management, and foster a safe, fun, and inclusive environment that is welcoming to all children and families. Additionally, the Lead Teacher will mentor and provide direction to the Assistant Teacher and support staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.*The Seattle Preschool Program is funded by the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL).Schedule:Full-time position, up to 40 hours per week. The typical daily schedule is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with adjustments based on program needs, including SPP required planning time, trainings, and team meetings.Preschool Lead Teacher Responsibilities:Design and implement high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with DCYF WACs and SPP contract mandatesLead classroom operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children ages 3–5Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff to maintain effective classroom management and program qualityEngage and communicate regularly with families, staff, and community partners to support child development and program successMaintain a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10 to ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all childrenReport directly to the Licensed Preschool Director for guidance and supportPreschool Lead Teacher Education Requirements:Seattle Preschool Programs (SPP) requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, verified as “approved” in MERIT in:Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related fieldORA bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college, verified as "approved" in MERIT, ANDAt least 30 approved ECE quarter credits verified through MERIT (up to 10 of these may be ECE-School Age hybrid credits)*If you do not meet the educational requirements for this position but are committed to obtaining the required credentials, we encourage you to apply. We are open to supporting candidates who are willing to enter into an education plan to complete the necessary qualifications within 4 years of employment in the classroom.Preschool Lead Teacher Required Experience:At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 3-5 in a preschool setting2 years of experience supporting and implementing curriculum activities for a large group of childrenExperience supervising and directing children during programming is preferredCertifications (required):DCYF Preservice Requirements and General Staff QualificationsBenefits:100% Employer-paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance401(k) with 5% matchPaid time off (PTO) including 12 paid holidays and a floating holidayFlexible Spending AccountLife insuranceWe are actively prescreening and interviewing for this role, so if this role is a good fit for you and you want to learn more about it, please apply now.