INTERIM Lead Teacher Preschool Classroom

About Hillcrest Kids

Hillcrest Kids Early Learning serves the children of the greater Bellingham area, ages one year through grade five and their families. It is our purpose to foster growth and development of the whole child - physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual - in an atmosphere of God's great love.

About the Position

We are hiring for an Interim Lead Preschool Teacher who will come alongside the mission and vision of Hillcrest Kids and who love children.

The Lead Teacher will be responsible for meeting the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of a group of preschoolers ages 3 years to 4 years old. The primary role of the Lead Teacher is to implement quality early childhood education in accordance with Hillcrest Kids philosophy in a safe, clean and loving environment.

Hours

• Lead Teacher, Monday - Friday. 8 am to 5pm
• This is an interim position. Onboarding and training will begin once new employee is hired and onboarding is complete. The position as interim lead teacher will be from Monday April 27th 2026 through Friday July 17th 2026.
• There is potential for employment to continue past July 17th, if there is an available position and it is a mutual decision between the employer and employee.

Responsibilities

• Provide constant visual and auditory supervision of children in the group.
• Plan, write and implement daily activities to develop safe and healthy habits, physical skills, self-esteem, creative expression, social skills, cognitive skills, spiritual growth, and communication skills for the children assigned to the group. Submit written weekly lesson plans to program coordinator.
• Create a pleasant, inviting classroom atmosphere in which toddler age children feel safe and secure.
• Understands and is knowledgeable of the developmental needs of 1 to 4 year old children in all developmental domains.
• Ensure that childcare routines, such as diaper changing, toilet training, hand washing, etc. are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with good child development principles.

Requirements

• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks and be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl. Ability to lift up to 45 pounds
• An understanding of early childhood development.

If hired, the following is required in order to teach in a state licensed early childhood learning center:

• High school diploma or higher certification. Degree in Early Childhood Education is a bonus but not required.
• Portable background check with Department of Children, Youth and Families.
• Proof of negative TB Test.
• Proof of MMR vaccine.
• Pediatric/Adult First Aid and CPR certification
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen Training
• Valid state issued photo ID
• 30 hours basic STARS training, if not already obtained, within 3 months of hire. (Temporary free training available due to COVID for immediate hire. Will need to still obtain 30 hour training within one year.)
• Food Handlers Permit
• Required training from DCYF that includes Mandated Reporter, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, Families Experiencing Homelessness, and Abusive Head Trauma. (We will tell you how you can get these done. They are FREE.)

Benefits

• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Pay is dependent on experience and education

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.13 - $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person