Preschool Teacher – Sammamish Cooperative Preschool
Sammamish, WA | Part-Time | 2026–2027 School Year
About Sammamish Cooperative Preschool
Sammamish Cooperative Preschool (SCP) is a parent-participation preschool serving young children and their families in the Sammamish community. Parents are active participants in the classroom and work alongside the teacher to support children's learning, play, and development.
We are seeking a warm, creative, dependable, and collaborative Preschool Teacher to lead our preschool program for the 2026–2027 school year.
About the Position
The Preschool Teacher will lead all three of SCP's classroom programs: Toddler/2s, Mixed-Age 3s/Pre-K, and Pre-K Extended Day. The position combines classroom teaching with curriculum planning, parent communication, classroom preparation, safety responsibilities, and participation in our cooperative community.
The position includes approximately 12.5 hours of scheduled classroom teaching each week. Including preparation, curriculum development, communication, meetings, setup/cleanup, and other teacher responsibilities, we estimate the overall time commitment at approximately 17–20 hours per week during the school year.
Weekly Teaching Schedule
Monday: Toddler/2s — 9:30 AM–11:30 AM
Tuesday: Mixed-Age 3s/Pre-K — 9:30 AM–12:00 PM; Pre-K Extended Day — 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Wednesday: Mixed-Age 3s/Pre-K — 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Thursday: Mixed-Age 3s/Pre-K — 9:30 AM–12:00 PM; Pre-K Extended Day — 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Class size and student ratio:
The mixed age class is capped at 15 students. In addition to the teacher, there are parents working in the classroom each day as assistants to the teacher, so our ratio of adults to children is always 1:5 or better.
The toddler class has a maximum of 8 students. At the beginning of the year, every child will be accompanied by a parent (or caregiver) for the full class time, so the ratio is better than 1:1. There is a possible option, to be discussed by the Board and Teacher, that later in the year, we would do some drop-off days, but the ratios would still be 1:3 or better.
Compensation
Salary: DOE $2,400-$2,800 per month for the September–May school year. The position is salaried rather than hourly.
Current structure: main contract is for the primary teaching position of the mixed age class with supplemental contracts for Toddler/2s and Pre-K Extended Day.
Responsibilities
Plan, organize, and develop age-appropriate curriculum and activities for children ages 2–5.
Support cognitive, social-emotional, physical, creative, language, and early literacy/numeracy development.
Lead classroom activities, routines, play, group experiences, and developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
For Pre-K Extended Day, provide activities supporting kindergarten readiness and transition to kindergarten.
Set up and clean up classroom equipment and materials with assistance from participating parents.
Check classroom equipment and supplies for safety and communicate safety needs to the Board.
Maintain appropriate allergy and health information and participate in required fire and
earthquake drills.
Observe children's behavior and development and communicate observations and concerns to the appropriate Parent Educator and families.
Provide curriculum information for parent education activities as requested.
Work closely with parent volunteers and coordinate parents in their classroom roles.
Communicate with families regarding children's progress, classroom activities, and individual needs.
Attend appropriate parent, Board, committee, teacher, and other school meetings. (Board meetings take place at 5:30 PM, usually the 4 th Tuesday of the month October-May, usually on Zoom. There are in-person evening organization/orientation meetings, one in May and one in September.
Participate in school/community events and help build a positive cooperative preschool
community.
Purchase or recommend classroom supplies as needed and submit receipts for reimbursement.
Maintain current First Aid/CPR/AED and food handler’s certification and complete required background-check and safety requirements.
Work cooperatively with the Board and preschool partners to address classroom needs and goals.
Prepare a general curriculum outline and daily schedule for a substitute when necessary and assist with substitute arrangements.
What We Are Looking For
Warm, patient, nurturing, and genuinely enjoys working with young children.
Passionate about Early Childhood Education and strives to be the heart of the school community.
Experience working with young children, preferably ages 2–5.
Able to lead a classroom while creating a positive, safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Understands developmentally appropriate practice and positive approaches to guiding children's behavior.
Strong communication skills and comfort communicating with parents.
Able to work collaboratively with parent volunteers and families.
Organized, dependable, adaptable, and able to plan ahead.
Comfortable working with children at different developmental stages and adapting activities to their needs.
Education and Experience
Formal early childhood education or child development education/training is preferred, but an ECE degree is not required. Equivalent professional or personal experience working with young children will be considered.
Preschool or early childhood lead-teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Experience working with children ages 2–5 is preferred.
Experience in a cooperative or parent-participation preschool is a plus.
Relevant ECE, child development, teaching, or related coursework/training is a plus.
Our Cooperative Model
SCP is different from a traditional preschool. Parents are active participants in the classroom and work as teaching assistants throughout the school year. The teacher serves as the classroom leader and educator while helping parent volunteers understand how they can best support the children.
SCP also employs an experienced Parent Educator who advises the Board, teaches monthly parent education sessions, and can also partner with and support the teacher with advice on curriculum and activities planning, and consulting on classroom challenges.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working with families as partners, communicate clearly and respectfully with parent volunteers, and see family participation as an important part of the preschool experience.
Physical and Safety Requirements
Ability to actively participate in children's play and classroom activities.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods.
Ability to lift or carry children and classroom materials when necessary.
Ability to supervise children safely indoors and outdoors.
Ability to meet the school's First Aid/CPR, background-check, and other applicable safety
requirements.
School Year
The current teacher agreements cover approximately September 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, with the school following the Issaquah School District calendar for holidays/closures schedule.
Upcoming dates:
Fall Orientation: Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 PM
Meet the teacher: Thursday, September 10 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM
First day of school: Monday, September 14
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a brief introduction describing your experience working with young children and your interest in working in a cooperative preschool environment. Please include any relevant education, training, certifications, or teaching experience.
Please email your resume to [email protected].
Interviews
Tentatively held August 31 st but we can find other options if needed.
Pay: $2,978.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
