Lead PreK Teacher

Summary

🌟 Do you believe childhood should be filled with wonder, play, and meaningful learning? 🌟

If so, we’d love to meet you!

BELC is searching for a passionate, nurturing, and creative Preschool Teacher to join our amazing team. If you thrive in a play-based, child-centered environment and love watching young learners discover the world around them, this could be the perfect fit for you!

As a Lead Preschool Teacher at BELC, you’ll collaborate with a supportive and enthusiastic team to create a warm, engaging classroom where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. This role blends intentional curriculum planning, strong relationships, and hands-on experiences that honor each child’s unique interests and developmental journey.

✨ Why You’ll Love Working at BELC:

• A truly supportive and collaborative team culture
• Ongoing opportunities for professional growth and development
• A meaningful role making a lasting impact on young children’s lives
• A program that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and community
• Proud to hold a Level 4 Early Achievers rating

🎈 Ready to make a difference every day?

We’d love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of a joyful learning community where children grow, play, and thrive—one discovery at a time.

Duties

• Plan and lead playful, age-appropriate learning experiences that align with BELC’s curriculum and support each child’s developmental needs.
• Support learning through play and incorporate children’s interests into daily activities using an emergent curriculum approach.
• Observe and document children’s growth and learning using Teaching Strategies GOLD —then use those insights to guide your planning.
• Share your lesson plans weekly or monthly to keep everyone informed and involved.
• Model positive language and interactions. Ask open-ended questions, support creative thinking, and guide problem-solving through conversation and connection.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and inspiring classroom environment that sparks curiosity and supports active learning.
• Promote healthy routines like eating, resting, and hygiene, while supporting children in developing independence and self-regulation.
• Use positive guidance strategies rooted in natural and logical consequences. Supervise children at all times—indoors, outdoors, and on outings.
• Build strong relationships with families. Hold at least two conferences per year, and provide daily updates on each child’s progress and classroom experiences using the Procare app.
• Connect families with community resources as needed, and collaborate to support each child’s overall well-being.
• Stay on top of records and documentation, including medication and sunscreen authorization forms (in conjunction with the office), observation notes, and assessment portfolios.
• Highlight and share children’s work through thoughtful documentation and displays that involve and inform families.
• Manage your time well when planning, prepping materials, and keeping records.
• Continue learning and growing by staying current with trends and best practices in early childhood education.
• Maintain a clean, safe classroom—from wiping down tables and changing areas to tidying up toys (and helping kids do the same!).

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience as a Lead Preschool teacher in a licensed early childhood program (minimum of 1 year)
• Familiarity with play-based and emergent curriculum approaches
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A nurturing, patient, and positive attitude
• Ability to observe and document children’s development
• Commitment to building strong relationships with children and families
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies GOLD or willingness to learn
• Washington State ECE Short Certificate or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Current CPR/ First Aid/BBP card

Current Food Handler's card

Current DCYF Background check completed

Negative TB test (less than 3yrs old)

Benefits

Perks & Benefits You’ll Love:

• Health Coverage That Cares for You – Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you feeling your best.
• Generous Paid Time Off
• – 5 paid days off after your first 6 months
• – 10 vacation days per year after your first year
• – 15 vacation days per year after 5 years
• Paid Holidays – Most major holidays off, with pay – more time to relax and recharge!
• Paid Winter Break – Cozy up and enjoy time off from December 24 through January 1, fully paid.
• Free ECE Training & Certifications – Level up your skills with free early childhood education courses through Clover Park Community College.
• Accrued Sick Leave – Earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, per Washington State law. Unused time rolls over (up to 40 hours) each year.
• Lunch Breaks That Work for You – Enjoy a 1-hour lunch break each day, with 30 minutes of it paid so you have time to relax and reset.
• A Team That Truly Cares – An administrative team that supports and values you, and work alongside incredible families who partner with us to help every child succeed.