Mandarin Chinese Teacher – Bilingual Early Learning Center

About Us

Little Caterpillar Academy is a new bilingual early learning center opening in Issaquah, WA, building on the strong foundation and reputation of our long-running family daycare program, The Little Caterpillars. We serve children ages 1–5 years old in a warm, nurturing, and play-based environment that emphasizes bilingual immersion (English + Mandarin), social-emotional growth, and strong partnerships with families.

Your Role

This role is primarily Mandarin Chinese–focused. The teacher is responsible for delivering Mandarin-language learning and daily care, while collaborating with English-speaking teaching partners.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan and lead engaging Mandarin Chinese activities, including circle time, songs, stories, art, and daily routines
• Use Mandarin Chinese consistently and naturally throughout the day during play, transitions, and caregiving routines
• Support children’s language development, social skills, and emotional growth through play-based learning
• Collaborate with English teachers to support a balanced bilingual classroom environment
• Observe and document children’s progress and share updates with families
• Maintain a safe, warm, and developmentally appropriate classroom
• Follow all licensing, health, and safety requirements

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED
• Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese
• Fluent English communication skills to collaborate with staff and communicate with parents
• 2–3 years of experience working with children ages 1–5 in a licensed childcare or early learning setting
• ECE Initial Certificate, ECE Short Certificate, or ECE State Certificate, or currently working toward one

Preferred Qualifications

• Lead Teacher experience in a family home daycare or center-based program
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Experience in bilingual or immersion programs
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation, based on experience
• Opportunity for performance-based bonuses
• Paid holidays: approximately 8 days per year
• Paid winter break: two weeks, aligned with the Lake Washington School District calendar
• Paid sick leave
• Small class sizes with strong teacher–child ratios
• Supportive, respectful, and family-like work environment
• Paid professional development support
• Long-term growth opportunities as our center expands

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a short note about your experience working with young children and Mandarin Chinese language instruction to:

LuluWang@LittleCaterpillarAcademy.com

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person