Co-Lead Preschool Teacher
A highly successful, well-established cooperative preschool is accepting applications for a full-time Co-Lead Preschool/Pre-K Teacher beginning in the fall 2026-2027 school year (planning begins August 2026, with classes starting in September - mid-June). This position is to serve at Lakeside Cooperative Preschool at 4101 Academy St., Bellingham, WA 98226 (Silver Beach Elementary annex building).
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool is a nonprofit organization run by an elected volunteer executive board and members of the cooperative. Our cooperative preschool employs 2 lead teachers supported by parents who serve as assistant teachers in the classroom. Cooperative preschools are based on the philosophy that parents are their children's first teachers. Our educators utilize their early childhood development background in partnership with families to provide an enriching preschool experience for children.
Lakeside offers classes to 3 cohorts of children and families (approximately 40 students and families). Our 2-Day Preschool and 3-Day Multi-Age classes are 5 mornings a week from 8:15 - 11:15 am, and our 4-Day Pre-K class is four afternoons per week from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. One afternoon per week is for teacher collaboration and planning.
We are seeking a co-teacher candidate with previous teaching experience who will work alongside our continuing teacher in all 3 classes. Our new teacher will be lead planner for our Preschool curriculum and support implementation of the Pre-K curriculum planned by our current teacher. Teachers in cooperative preschools serve as mentors for the parent/caregiver assistant teachers, so need strong communication skills with adults as well as children.
QUALIFICATIONS
Well-qualified candidates should have:
Early Childhood Education degree, certificate, or endorsement and experience working with children 3-5 years of age and with parents/caregivers. Elementary Education degrees will be considered only if the applicant has early childhood/preschool teaching experience or coursework. Must have solid knowledge of ECE and the development of young children.
Experience planning and implementing thematic curriculum units that contain the following elements for preschoolers aged 3-4 year olds:
· Developmentally appropriate with experiential, play-based activities designed to promote social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth and help students develop self-care, self-regulation and interpersonal skills.
· Includes art, music, dramatic play, science, social-emotional learning, gross/fine motor, outdoor play and language/literacy activities.
· Includes parents/caregivers as assistant teachers on a daily basis for play/SEL support, leading activities, or support tasks in the classroom. The preschool invites family involvement and strong family partnership.
Willingness to maintain current first aid and CPR certifications, food handlers permit, mandated reporter training, and complete a background check. Learn and implement the regulations and risk management practices for the co-op, and health and safety procedures in the classroom.
Strong collaborative skills and use a team approach with our co-teacher, program support administrator, board members, parents/caregivers, and community partners (school district specialists and neighboring early learning programs).
Ability to work in a high-energy environment and physically work with very young children - (must be able to squat down, sit on the floor, sit in child-size chairs, climb stairs, pivot or run if needed to support children).
Lead teaching experience and be comfortable leading class along with parent assistant teachers if the other co-teacher is sick or on personal leave.
Experience mentoring/supporting assistant teachers and parents in childcare/preschool settings. Experience in a cooperative preschool as a teacher or parent is a benefit.
Flexibility to adjust plans to meet the diverse needs of the group. Special education coursework or experience is a benefit.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Full-time position will co-plan and teach 9 half-day sessions (4.5 days per week) of Preschool, Multi-Age and Pre-K classes per week, plus 1 afternoon weekly planning and meeting time. Additional release time from one class session per week can be arranged if additional planning time is needed. Weekly hours are 7:45 am - 3:45 pm Monday - Friday. Approx. 40 hrs/week. Includes 1-2 monthly evening meetings.
Attend professional development in-service sessions with other preschool teachers, parent orientations and parent education meetings, board meetings, and other school functions as listed on the school calendar.
Salary & Benefits: $22 - $27 DOE for Co-Lead Teacher. Paid hours include instruction, prep/planning, meetings, and communication with families. Sick leave, FMLA, and personal days included. $200 per month Health/Wellness stipend included to support insurance premiums and co-pays or other health/wellness needs.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
For additional information and to submit a resume and cover letter, please contact Michelle Malone, Program Support administrator at michelle.malone@lakesidecoop.com.
For more details about Lakeside Cooperative Preschool and cooperative preschools in general, visit:
https://www.parentchildpreschools.org/
Accepting applications until position is filled.
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in its educational policies, admissions policies, employment practices, or other school-administered programs.