Preschool Lead Teacher (Ballard Community Center)

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

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employer-paid Medical, Dental and

Vision Insurance

401(k) with 5% match

Paid time off (PTO) with holidays

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Job summary

Associated Recreation Council is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher for the Ballard Community Center in Seattle. The role focuses on designing and delivering a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children aged 3–5 and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in ECE or related field with MERIT approval, plus at least 2 years of preschool teaching experience and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Seattle Preschool Programs requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, verified as “approved” in MERIT in ECE or a related field.
• OR a bachelor’s degree with MERIT approval plus at 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 but are committed to obtaining them, we encourage you to apply and may support an education plan to complete qualifications within 4 years.

Responsibilities

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

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field

MERIT-verified ECE credits (≥30 quarter credits)

Job description

Job Details

Level: Experienced, Job Location: Ballard Community Center - Seattle, WA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $28.00 - $35.00Hourly.

Job Location – Ballard Community Center - Seattle, WA

Position Type – Full-time

Start: Summer 2026

Starting 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.)

Schedule

• Full-time position, up to 40 hours per week, 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 mandates
• Lead classroom operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children ages 3–5
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff to maintain effective classroom management and program quality
• Engage and communicate regularly with families, staff, and community partners to support child development and program success
• Maintain a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10 to ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children
• Report directly to the Licensed Preschool Director for guidance and support

Preschool 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 field
• OR
• 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 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 setting
• 2 years of experience supporting and implementing curriculum activities for a large group of children
• Experience supervising and directing children during programming is preferred

Certifications (required)

DCYF Preservice Requirements and General Staff Qualifications

Benefits

• 100% Employer-paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with 5% match
• Paid time off (PTO) including 12 paid holidays and a floating holiday
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance

We are actively prescreening and interviewing for this role.

EEO/ADA

ARC is an Equal Opportunity employer and values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, caste, or gender identity.

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an employee. An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the application and hiring process.