Preschool Lead Teacher

Whatcom Family YMCA•Bellingham, WA

37d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Preschool Lead Teacher Whatcom Family Y | Where Play Meets Purpose Do you believe learning should be messy, joyful, curious, and full of adventure? Do you love the idea of spending your day building forts, leading dance parties, exploring big feelings, and helping kids discover who they are? The Whatcom Family Y’s Millworks Early Learning Center is looking for a Lead Preschool Teacher who’s ready to create an engaging, play-based classroom where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to work somewhere that truly values community, creativity, and connection, we’d love to meet you. No two days are the same—but they’re always full of energy, laughter, and discovery. You might be: 🎨 Leading a messy art project or sensory exploration 📚 Reading stories and sparking big imagination moments 🏃‍♀️ Running obstacle courses or climbing adventures 🧠 Helping children navigate big emotions and build friendships 🌱 Encouraging curiosity through play-based learning 💬 Partnering with families to celebrate each child’s growth At the Y, we believe play is powerful and preschool is where confidence begins. As the Lead Preschool Teacher, you’ll guide the classroom experience and support a team of educators while helping kids thrive.

Requirements

Are 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent
Love working with preschool-aged children
Have experience working in an Early Learning Center
Can plan fun, developmentally appropriate activities
Are excited about play-based learning
Build positive relationships with children and families
Enjoy being active, creative, and collaborative
Have experience working with diverse communities
Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention Training (upon hire)
CPR/AED and First Aid certification (Adult, Infant & Child) (within 2 months of being hired)
STARS 30-Hour Childcare Basic Training (within 3 months of hire)
Must be able to obtain ECE Short Certificate or equivalent (approx. 20 credits)
Negative TB test
HIV/Bloodborne Pathogens training
Safe Sleep training
MERIT ID account
Washington State Food Handler’s Card
Cleared Portable Background Check from MERIT
MMR Immunization Record
The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Nice To Haves

Early childhood education experience
CPR/First Aid certification
Early childhood coursework or certifications

Responsibilities

Creating a fun, play-based preschool environment that supports social-emotional development
Leading and mentoring Assistant Teachers
Designing daily schedules that balance learning, movement, creativity, meals, rest, and exploration
Creating opportunities for kids to make choices, solve problems, and lead activities
Encouraging teamwork, kindness, and curiosity
Helping maintain a classroom environment aligned with ECERS quality standards
Supporting children’s growth through documentation and developmental observations
Communicating with families about their child’s progress and experiences
Joining family nights, staff trainings, and community events
Keeping the classroom safe, organized, and sparkling clean
Supporting YMCA policies that ensure child safety and protection
Jump into big movement activities with kids like intro swimming and beginner rock climbing