Preschool Lead Teacher (Alki Community Center)

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Alki Community Center - Seattle, WA 98116Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $28.00 - $35.00 Hourly Job Location – Alki 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.) 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 Alki 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 2years 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Associated Recreation Council