Lead Preschool Teacher

About Ash & Elm

Ash & Elm Play Studio is a welcoming, play-based early learning environment serving young children and families in the Black Diamond community.

We believe children learn best through exploration, creativity, meaningful relationships, and engaging hands-on experiences.

We're looking for an experienced, dependable, and enthusiastic Lead Preschool Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and takes pride in creating a safe, organized, nurturing, and engaging classroom.

About the Role

As our Lead Preschool Teacher, you will lead daily classroom activities, support children's developmental growth, guide teaching assistants, and help ensure a consistent, high-quality preschool experience.

This is a hands-on leadership position ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with children and making a meaningful difference in a small preschool setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate preschool activities.
• Support early literacy, math, communication, social-emotional development, and independence.
• Create a welcoming, safe, organized, and positive classroom environment.
• Lead daily routines, transitions, and classroom activities.
• Provide guidance and direction to teaching assistants.
• Observe children's development and identify opportunities for additional support.
• Communicate professionally and positively with parents and families.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness, sanitization, and organization.
• Follow child supervision, safety, and applicable licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with ownership to improve classroom operations and the overall preschool experience.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience working with preschool-aged children in a classroom or early learning environment.
• Ability to independently lead a preschool classroom.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Dependable, organized, patient, and nurturing approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teaching assistants and management.
• Ability to meet applicable Washington State background-check and early learning employment requirements.

Preferred:

• Two or more years of preschool teaching experience.
• Previous experience as a Lead Teacher or Assistant Lead Teacher.
• Early Childhood Education coursework, certificate, or degree.
• Familiarity with play-based learning and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Experience supporting children with varying developmental and learning needs.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Loves working with young children and helping them grow.
• Takes ownership of classroom quality, preparation, and organization.
• Can confidently lead a classroom while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with families and coworkers.
• Is dependable, proactive, and comfortable working in a small team.
• Brings creativity, enthusiasm, and practical solutions to everyday challenges.

Compensation and Schedule

• Hourly pay: $21–$26, based on qualifications and experience.
• Employment: Part-time.
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, primarily morning preschool hours.
• Expected hours: Approximately Up to 25 hours per week, with the final schedule confirmed during hiring.
• Work location: Black Diamond, Washington.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume through Indeed, including relevant preschool teaching experience and early childhood education qualifications.

Qualified applicants will be contacted to discuss the position and next steps.

Join Ash & Elm and help create a preschool experience where children feel supported, confident, and excited to learn.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $21.00 - $26.00 per hour

Work Location: In person