Whispering Willows Academy is looking for an experienced, passionate Preschool Lead Teacher to join our growing team! Our preschool classroom serves children approximately 4½-6 years old and is an energetic, active environment with a wide range of personalities, developmental needs, and sensory needs. We're Looking for a TEACHER — Not a Babysitter We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to teach young children. Our Lead Teacher should be someone who gets down on the floor, plays, reads enthusiastically, asks questions, follows children's interests, creates meaningful learning experiences, and genuinely engages with the children throughout the day. We want our families to know that their child's teacher knows who their child is —their interests, strengths, accomplishments, challenges, and what they are learning. This position is a great fit for an educator who enjoys both the joyful and challenging parts of early childhood education and wants to make a meaningful impact. What You'll Do Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum Create engaging hands-on learning experiences Observe children and use observations to inform curriculum Maintain anecdotal notes, portfolios, and developmental documentation Use Brightwheel for daily documentation, family communication, photos, meals, and classroom updates Build positive relationships with children and families Communicate meaningfully with parents about their child's learning and development Support children's social-emotional development and self-regulation Provide positive, developmentally appropriate guidance Support neurodivergent children and children with sensory or developmental needs Lead and organize the classroom while maintaining a calm, engaging environment Mentor and support a newer Assistant Teacher Collaborate with administration and teaching staff Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment The Right Candidate We are looking for someone who is: Experienced working with preschool-aged children Passionate about early childhood education Confident leading an active classroom Calm and patient during challenging moments Engaging, playful, and genuinely present with children Comfortable with curriculum planning and implementation Experienced with observation and documentation A strong communicator with families and coworkers Comfortable supporting children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, developmental delays, or other neurodivergent needs Comfortable using technology and learning platforms such as Brightwheel Willing to mentor and collaborate with newer educators Reliable, professional, and committed to continued growth Washington State / DCYF Requirements Candidates must meet applicable Washington State DCYF requirements for a Center Lead Teacher, including the required education pathway and applicable health, safety, and background-check requirements. Required credentials/training include, as applicable: Washington State ECE Initial and Short Certificate pathway DCYF-cleared background check Fingerprinting, when required Current TB test/screening documentation Infant, Child & Adult First Aid Infant, Child & Adult CPR Bloodborne Pathogens training Safe Sleep training Mandated Reporter training Child Care Basics and other required DCYF training Required ongoing professional development Candidates who are currently completing required credentials may be considered if they can meet applicable DCYF timelines. Professional References Required Candidates must provide 2-3 professional references , preferably including at least one former supervisor, director, or administrator who can speak to their classroom experience, professionalism, reliability, and work with children. Why Whispering Willows? At WWA, we believe children learn through relationships, play, exploration, curiosity, movement, and wonder. Our approach is developmentally appropriate, relationship-based, inclusive, sensory-aware, and centered on positive guidance and intentional teaching. We are looking for educators who want to know their children, not simply supervise them. If you are passionate about early childhood education and this sounds like the kind of classroom you want to be part of, we would love to hear from you!

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter or statement of interest, and 2-3 professional references.

Pay:

$21.00 per hour Expected hours: 35.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person