Preschool Lead Teacher (Meadowbrook)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Job summary

Associated Recreation Council (ARC) is hiring a Preschool Lead Teacher at Meadowbrook Community Center in Seattle, WA. The role requires planning and leading developmentally appropriate activities for 3- to 5-year-olds enrolled in the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP).

It includes curricular design, team mentoring, and strong collaboration with families. The position is full-time with a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field (MERIT approved).
• At least 2 years of experience with children ages 3–5 in a preschool.
• DCYF Preservice Requirements and General Staff Qualifications.
• Willingness to obtain required credentials within 4 years.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality curriculum aligned with DCYF WACs and SPP.
• Lead classroom operations for children aged 3–5 in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and support staff to maintain program quality.
• Engage regularly with families, staff, and community partners to support child development.
• Maintain staff-to-child ratio of 1:10 for safety and supervision.
• Report directly to the Licensed Preschool Director for guidance and support.

Skills

Preschool education

Curriculum design

Family engagement

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field

30 approved ECE credits MERIT

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Meadowbrook Community Center - Seattle, WA 98125Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $28.00 - $35.00 Hourly

Job Location – Meadowbrook Community Center - 10517 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125

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 Meadowbrook 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 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