Preschool Lead Teacher (Seattle, WA)

Job Description

Job Description

Work Location: Ballard Community Center - 6020 28th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Position Type: Full-time

Starting Pay Range: $28.00-32.00/hr. (Employee may start at $32.00/hr upon verification of Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) education qualifications listed below)

Full Pay 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 Ballard 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 premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account
• Employer Student Loan Contribution
• ARC Sick & Safe (sick time)
• Paid Time Off (vacation)
• 12 paid company holidays 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• For a full list of all benefits that ARC offers, please view them here: - content/uploads/2026/10/ARC -Benefits-Chart.pdf

We are actively prescreening and interviewing for this role, so if this role is a good fit for you and you want to learn more about it, please apply now.

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.

Associated Recreation Council (ARC) serves the city of Seattle by offering a wide variety of recreational and lifelong learning programs, classes, and activities. As the non-profit partner of Seattle Parks and Recreation, ARC inspires engagement and participation in equitable, dynamic, culturally relevant, and responsive recreation, childcare, and lifelong learning programs for over 50 years.

Company Description

Associated Recreation Council (ARC) serves the city of Seattle by offering a wide variety of recreational and lifelong learning programs, classes, and activities. As the non-profit partner of Seattle Parks and Recreation, ARC inspires engagement and participation in equitable, dynamic, culturally relevant, and responsive recreation, childcare, and lifelong learning programs for over 50 years.