Location

Ballard Preschool Co-Op (BPC): 7503 18th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
As well as various outdoor locations within a 15-minute drive of our main BPC campus

Application Deadline Date

January 1 2026

Audience

Early Childhood Education Specialization

Position Description

Position Overview

Ballard Preschool Co-Op (BPC) is seeking a passionate and engaging Part-Time Teacher to lead our outdoor, play-based Junior Explorers (2 years and older as of 8/31) and Mini Explorers (under 2 years as of 8/31) classes. This hourly role involves direct supervision and management of children, guiding adult working caregivers, and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum in various outdoor locations within a 15-minute drive of our main BPC campus.

The teacher will be supported by a collaborative team of teachers, an on-staff parent educator, and the BPC Board.

● Junior Explorers: Tuesdays, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

● Mini Explorers: Fridays, 9:45 am - 11:15 am

● Note: Plan to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before and stay a minimum of 30 minutes after class for setup and cleanup.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and knowledgeable teacher whose philosophy aligns with individualized, play-based, and anti-bias programming, with a strong passion for nature and outdoor learning. The ideal candidate excels at positive discipline methods, collaborates effectively with a multi-faceted teaching team and engaged working caregivers, and communicates positively and respectfully with all stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities

● Create and lead an engaging and developmentally appropriate outdoor play-based preschool program, where children ages 0-5 can learn and practice individual and group behaviors.

● Ensure curriculum meets appropriate intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs of the cohort.

● Encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the developmental level and learning style of each child.

● Communicate weekly curriculum and plans to parents.

● Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive class culture for all children and families.

● Monitor child development and communicate progress effectively with families.

● Oversee and define responsibilities for in-class working caregivers, encouraging families to share their unique talents, interests, and experiences in a way that enhances their child’s class as well as the larger preschool community.

● Actively participate in class orientations and monthly staff meetings, as well as periodic in-service training, professional development workshops, open houses, community story times, and all-school events.

● Lead class response during emergency situations per safety plans.

● Collaborate with other teachers and the Parent Educator on curriculum, professional development, and school operations (e.g. open houses, supply purchases).

● Foster cooperative relationships within the entire BPC community.

Qualifications

2+ years of experience teaching preschoolers (ages 0-5)

Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree or related field strongly preferred:

Experience in a cooperative preschool environment (as parent or teacher) preferred

Strong knowledge of child development theory and play-based learning practices

Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum

Enthusiastic, warm, and caring personality with strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to establish constructive relationships with children and adults

Interest in the challenge and excitement of shaping a community-based program

Ability to practice non-punitive discipline methods

Current CPR, First Aid, and HIV/Bloodborne Pathogens certification, or ability to obtain upon hire (class offered by the PNA)

Must pass a criminal history/background check

Documented negative TB test result

Proof of MMR, TDAP , and COVID immunizations, or Exemption Form required

Ability to manage outdoor classroom setup and takedown, lift up to 45 lbs, and climb stairs, walk trails and beaches as part of the outdoor program

Compensation

This part-time position offers an hourly rate of $26-$28 DOE for approximately 8.25 hours per week. Benefits include:

● 401(k) plan with employer match through Vanguard

● Employee Perks and EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) programs through Insperity

● Free PNA household membership with reduced costs for classes and room rentals

● 3 in-service days, 3 days paid vacation, and 3 days paid sick leave annually

● Paid holidays (Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, MLK Day, Mid-Winter Break, Spring Break, Memorial Day), if they fall on a workday.

● One 25% tuition discount for an enrolled child in a BPC class.

● Note: Health insurance is not provided.

About Ballard Preschool Co-op

Ballard Preschool Co-op (BPC) is a parent-run preschool that provides a structured cooperative program designed to encourage the social, emotional, physical, and mental development of young children. BPC offers classes for children ages 0-5 years old, Infants through Pre-Kindergarten. Our cooperative model is built on collaboration: Experienced teachers craft and implement a play-based curriculum, a dedicated parent educator provides support and resources for families, and engaged parents/caregivers actively participate in the classroom as teaching assistants and manage the school’s day-to-day operations. This dynamic partnership creates a rich learning environment for children and fosters a supportive community for families.

About the Phinney Neighborhood Association

Headquartered in a former elementary school, the PNA has developed an active community center that not only serves as a focus of the Phinney/Greenwood neighborhood, but offers programs and activities that reach far beyond the immediate neighborhood, at four different sites in Phinney, Greenwood, and Ballard. Current programs include two preschool cooperatives, a licensed preschool and school age program at Whittier Elementary School, a hot meal program, the Greenwood Senior Center, PNA Village, a tool lending library, a business membership program, family memberships, room rentals, and countless special events that bring friends and neighbors together. We co-sponsor a summer farmers market, weekly folk music concerts, and other community events. The PNA serves over 23,000 people each year, has 70 staff, 1,100 volunteers, and an annual budget of $3.6 million.

To Apply

The PNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer working towards a culturally diverse workplace. Applicants representing the diversity of our community are encouraged to apply. Please email a cover letter indicating your interest, how you meet the minimum qualifications, and a resume with references to bpc.allschoolchair@gmail.com. Qualified applicants will be contacted via email to schedule a phone screening and follow-up interviews.

See Job Ad: https://www.phinneycenter.org/download/ballard-preschool-co-op-teacher-opportunity-part-time/