Preschool Lead Teacher (Bitter Lake)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance (Employer-paid)

Dental Insurance (Employer-paid)

Vision Insurance (Employer-paid)

401(k) with match

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Job summary

Associated Recreation Council invites applications for a Preschool Lead Teacher at Bitter Lake Community Center in Seattle. You will design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for 3- to 5-year-olds enrolled in the Seattle Preschool Program, lead daily activities, and mentor staff to ensure high-quality delivery.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in ECE or a related field with MERIT approval and at least 2 years of preschool experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field, MERIT approved.
• At least 30 approved ECE quarter credits via MERIT.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum for ages 3–5 enrolled in SPP.
• Lead classroom operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment.
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff to maintain program quality.
• Engage with families and community partners to support child development and program success.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and report to the Preschool Director.

Education

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

30 approved ECE quarter credits verified through MERIT

Job description

Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location: Bitter Lake Community Center - Seattle, WA 98133Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $28.00 - $35.00 HourlyJob Category: Education

Job Location – Bitter Lake Community Center - 13035 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133

Position Type – Full-time

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.)

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 Bitter Lake 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, 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 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