Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Join Our Early Learning Family!

Are you a passionate, dependable, and enthusiastic early childhood educator who truly loves working with young children?

We are looking for a strong, dedicated Pre-K Assistant Teacher to join our team!

At our early learning centers, we believe that children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, loved, encouraged, and excited to learn. We are a family-centered organization that values the relationships we build with our children, families, and employees.

We are proud of our strong, established curriculum, our commitment to kindergarten readiness, and the dedicated educators who bring learning to life every day.

We value our employees and believe that a positive, supportive workplace is essential to providing exceptional care and education.

We are seeking someone who is more than just an extra set of hands in the classroom. We want a team player who takes initiative, understands child development, and is excited to help children build the confidence and skills they need for success.

Position Overview

As a Pre-K Assistant Teacher, you will work closely with the Lead Teacher to create a nurturing, engaging, and well-organized classroom that supports each child's social, emotional, physical, and academic development.

The ideal candidate is reliable, patient, energetic, professional, and confident in helping guide a classroom of active preschoolers.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Early Childhood Education

• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing our established Pre-K curriculum.
• Assist with engaging, developmentally appropriate learning activities that promote kindergarten readiness.
• Reinforce early literacy, phonics, letter recognition, numbers, counting, shapes, colors, and beginning math concepts.
• Encourage creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and independence.
• Help prepare classroom materials, learning centers, projects, and hands-on activities.
• Support individual learning needs and different developmental stages.
• Participate actively in circle time, small-group instruction, outdoor learning, and classroom activities.

Classroom Management & Child Development

• Help maintain a positive, structured, and nurturing classroom environment.
• Use positive guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Support children as they develop emotional regulation, social skills, independence, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Model kindness, patience, respect, and appropriate communication.
• Maintain consistent classroom routines and smooth transitions throughout the day.
• Anticipate classroom needs and take initiative without always needing direction.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to maintain consistency and clear expectations.

Child Safety & Supervision

• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Follow Washington State DCYF licensing requirements and center policies.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and follow supervision procedures.
• Support proper sanitation, handwashing, cleaning, and classroom health practices.
• Assist with meals, snacks, toileting, outdoor play, and daily routines as needed.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to health, safety, and emergency concerns.
• Follow mandated reporting and child protection requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming classroom.

Family Communication & Relationships

• Build warm, respectful, and professional relationships with children and families.
• Support positive daily communication through Brightwheel and in-person interactions.
• Share classroom experiences, developmental milestones, and positive moments with families as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Communicate concerns promptly to the Lead Teacher or center leadership.
• Help ensure every family feels welcomed, valued, and included.

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, administration, and fellow educators.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Be willing to step in, help others, and support the needs of the classroom and center.
• Accept constructive feedback and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain professional communication and conduct.
• Contribute to a workplace culture where employees feel supported, respected, and appreciated.

Required Qualifications — Washington State DCYF

Candidates must meet the applicable requirements for an Assistant Teacher in a Washington State DCYF-licensed child care center, including:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED/equivalent.
• Complete and maintain a satisfactory DCYF background check clearance, including fingerprinting as required.
• Have or obtain a MERIT/STARS ID.
• Meet Washington State tuberculosis screening/testing requirements.
• Complete DCYF Child Care Basics training within the required timeframe.
• Obtain and maintain current pediatric First Aid and CPR certification as required.
• Complete required bloodborne pathogens training.
• Obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card if applicable to assigned duties.
• Complete all applicable health and safety training.
• Complete required annual professional development and in-service training.
• Meet DCYF education requirements, including the Washington State ECE Initial Certificate or an approved equivalent within the applicable timeframe.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable DCYF licensing regulations and center policies.

Applicants who are still completing eligible training or education requirements are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the qualifications and timelines established by DCYF.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a licensed preschool or Pre-K classroom.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and kindergarten readiness.
• Experience implementing a structured early learning curriculum.
• Strong classroom management and positive guidance skills.
• Ability to support children with varying developmental, emotional, and learning needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms.
• Early Childhood Education coursework, certificates, or a degree are a plus.

The Qualities We're Looking For

We would love to find someone who:

• Truly enjoys working with preschool-aged children.
• Is dependable and understands the importance of consistent attendance.
• Takes initiative and sees what needs to be done.
• Is patient, compassionate, and encouraging.
• Has a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Understands that children learn best through meaningful relationships and engaging experiences.
• Can confidently support the Lead Teacher and contribute to a well-run classroom.
• Values open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect.
• Wants to be part of a center where children, families, and employees genuinely matter.

Schedule

Full-Time or Part-Time Positions Available

• Monday through Friday — 5 days per week
• Hours based on position and center needs
• Consistent attendance and reliability are essential

Why Join Our Team?

We believe our employees are the heart of our centers. We work hard to create a welcoming, family-centered environment where teachers feel valued, supported, and appreciated.

You'll be joining a team that believes in:

• A strong, established early learning curriculum.
• Creating meaningful relationships with children and families.
• Supporting teachers and encouraging professional growth.
• Teamwork, collaboration, and respectful communication.
• Providing a safe, loving, and engaging learning environment.
• Making a positive difference in children's lives every day.

We'd Love to Meet You!

If you are a caring, motivated, and dependable early childhood educator who wants to be part of a supportive team and help prepare children for a successful future, we encourage you to apply!

Come grow with us and make a difference in the lives of young children!

Pay: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person