Licensed Childcare Center Preschool Lead Teacher

Licensed Childcare Center Preschool Lead Teacher (Alki Community Center)

If you have experience working with groups of preschool children ages 3-5 and have a passion for teaching, Associated Recreation Council (ARC) has an amazing role for you as a Licensed Childcare Center Preschool Lead Teacher. This is a full-time, year-round role with ARC located at Alki Community Center (serving ages 3-12).

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 Licensed Childcare Center Preschool Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading engaging activities for preschool participants ages 3 to 5. The 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 Assistant Teacher and support staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.

*This program is a Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) funded Seattle Preschool Program (SPP).

Location: Alki Community Center

Schedule:

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week. The typical daily schedule is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with adjustments based on program needs, including Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) required planning time, trainings, and team meetings

Licensed Childcare Center Preschool Lead Teacher Responsibilities:

Design and implement high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with DCYF WACs and SPP/Pathways 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

Licensed Childcare Center Preschool Lead Teacher Qualifications:

Education:

• Must have High School Diploma minimum hiring requirement
• 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

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 required

Certifications (required):

• DCYF Preservice Requirements and General Staff Qualifications

Pay:

• Starting pay: $28.00 - $29.75.
• Full Pay Range: $28.00-35.00/hr (Over time, the employee in this role may earn up to $35.00/hr with additional years of service)

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account.
• Employer Student Loan Contribution