Preschool Lead Teacher, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Seattle

Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, Seattle, WA | Full-Time | Reports to: Principal & ELC Director

About the Role

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (OLG) is seeking a faith-filled and qualified Preschool Lead Teacher for our Early Learning Center (ages 3 and 4). In alignment with the OLG mission, the ideal candidate will foster Gospel values, inspire academic excellence, and develop service and leadership within a nurturing, play-based environment. This role requires compliance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 110-300 center standards, active professional tracking in MERIT, and strict adherence to the Archdiocese of Seattle Safe Environment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Infuse Catholic faith, Gospel values, and social-emotional learning into the daily classroom routine and community environment.
• Plan and execute culturally responsive lessons for 3-to-4-year-olds focusing on kindergarten readiness, social-emotional skills, and language development.
• Maintain positive behavioral support systems suitable for preschool-aged children.
• Positively and professionally communicate with parents, supervisors, and colleagues in a manner that fosters relationships and collaboration, modeling our mission to serve all learners and families with respect and dignity.
• Keep the classroom environment aligned with all center-based licensing regulations (WAC 110-300).
• Keep your professional record, health clearances, and educational documents fully updated in the state MERIT registry.
• Complete the Enhancing Quality of Early Learning (EQEL) training series within 36 months of hire.
• Actively participate as a member of the schoolwide faculty, attend professional development, staff meetings, and meet all requirements with fidelity.

Qualifications

• Must hold an Initial Certificate or higher and be working towards further DCYF Educational Pathway qualifications recorded in MERIT:
  • A WA State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Short Certificate (20–26 college credits), required within a year of hire at OLG.
  • An active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
  • An Associate, Bachelor, or Master's degree in ECE, Child Development, or human development.
• At least one year of experience working with 3-4 year-olds in an educational setting.
• Understanding and respect for the mission of Catholic schools.
• Flexible, takes initiative, desires collaboration and feedback, models compassion, has a positive attitude, is punctual and organized.

Requirements by Hire Date

• Active MERIT (State Workforce Registry) ID number with a cleared DCYF Background Check (including fingerprints).
• Completed 30-Hour Child Care Basics (STARS) course, or willingness to complete it within the required state timeline.
• Commitment to completing 10 hours of annual MERIT-approved STARS in-service training.
• Valid negative Tuberculosis (TB) test recorded in MERIT.
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid, WA State Food Handler Permit, and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications.
• Completion of Archdiocese of Seattle Safe Environment training (Virtus) and full compliance with all background check updates.

Pay

Salary range: $45,000 – $60,000. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant's skills, and prior relevant experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Pension and 403(b) retirement plans.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Generous sick leave, vacation, and holidays.