Lead Teacher

The Goddard School of Central Seattle is a premier, private preschool in downtown Seattle and we are more than just a daycare. We pride ourselves on a warm, inquiry-based learning environment where curiosity is embraced, and children thrive. We are seeking an enthusiastic Lead Teacher to join our team of passionate educators. In this role, you will lead a classroom of young learners, guiding an assistant teacher and support staff to implement our renowned Wonder of Learning™ curriculum. If you are a nurturing, creative educator who believes in the power of everyday moments to shape children’s development, we invite you to consider this opportunity.

Responsibilities & Expectations:

· Create a Safe, Nurturing Environment: Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing classroom at all times. Ensure that children are supervised within required state ratios and that all health and safety policies are followed.

· Curriculum Planning & Teaching: Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plansaligned with The Goddard School’s curriculum. Adapt activities to meet each child’s needs and encourage exploration, creativity, and active play. Provide a balanced mix of teacher-guided and child-led learning to foster well-rounded development.

· Child Development & Guidance: Support the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of every child. Set developmentally appropriate expectations, encourage positive behaviors, and use positive guidance techniques to help children build confidence and empathy.

· Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the Assistant Teacher and Support Teacher in your classroom. Model best practices in early childhood education and collaborate to maintain a consistent, high-quality program.

· Family Engagement: Build positive, professional relationships with families. Communicate regularly about children’s progress and daily activities (e.g. through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences) to make families feel involved in their child’s learning journey.

· Compliance & Safety: Understand and adhere to all Goddard School emergency procedures and Washington licensing regulations. This includes performing regular classroom cleaning as needed, supervising safe eating practices, and maintaining an orderly, child-friendly space.

Required Qualifications:

· Education: Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED (required by Washington state). Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or a related field) is highly preferred, or a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential and ongoing coursework in ECE.

· Experience: At least 1 year of experience teaching or caring for young children in a licensed childcare or preschool setting (preferred). A passion for early childhood education and child development is a must.

· State Compliance: Must meet all Washington WAC requirements for lead preschool teachers. This includes completing required pre-service training, and either holding or being willing to obtain the state ECE Initial Certificate within the required timeframe. Candidates must be able to pass a DCYF background check and TB test as required by law ( WAC 110-300-0100: ).

· Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) and a Food Handler’s permit are required for ensuring children’s safety.

· Skills: Strong knowledge of early childhood development, excellent classroom management and organizational skills, and the ability to design a fun, educational environment. Effective communication skills to collaborate with families and coworkers.

Salary & Benefits:

· Health & Wellness: Full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurancecoverage to keep you and your family healthy.

· Paid Time Off: Enjoy paid holidays and vacation/PTO days so you can recharge. We recognize the importance of work-life balance for our teachers.

· Childcare Benefits: Take advantage of childcare benefits including discounted tuition for your own children to attend The Goddard School.

· Professional Development: Ongoing training and professional development opportunities are provided. As a Goddard teacher, you’ll have access to Goddard University and regular workshops to continue growing in your career.

· Work Environment: No nights or weekends – enjoy a consistent Monday–Friday daytime schedule. You’ll be part of a supportive team culture with engaged owners and directors who value teachers. We celebrate our teachers with appreciation events and a positive, fun workplace!

If you are a dedicated educator looking to lead a classroom where your ideas, creativity, and passion will be valued, we want to hear from you! Join The Goddard School of Central Seattle and become part of a community that is making a difference in children’s lives every day. Apply today to embark on a rewarding career with a school that prides itself on excellence, support, and the joy of learning. We can’t wait to welcome an inspiring Lead Teacher like you to our team – come grow with us and help shape bright futures!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person