What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preschool Teacher position at Issaquah Cooperative Preschool?
Preschool Teacher for 2026 - 2027 school year
Part‑time: Tuesday - Friday class schedule
Issaquah Cooperative Preschool (ICP)
About Issaquah Cooperative Preschool
Issaquah Cooperative Preschool (ICP) is a parent‑run cooperative preschool serving families with children ages 3–5. As a cooperative preschool, we are led by our Board, which is composed of parent volunteers. Parents also work in the classroom and attend parent education sessions.
Schedule and class assignments
ICP’s preference is to hire one teacher to lead both the 3–4 year old and Pre‑K classes. However, we are open to hiring two teachers, depending on candidate availability and experience.
3–4s class
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre‑K class
- Monday and Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM
The school year runs mid‑September through late May and follows the Issaquah School District calendar. Additional paid time includes planning and preparation prior to the start of school, classroom setup, and required meetings.
Job Description
Classroom teaching and curriculum
- Plan, organize, and teach a program of age‑appropriate activities that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and creative development
- Observe children’s behavior and discuss observations with the parent education partner
- Provide information on curriculum to parents in a manner or format agreed upon by the board
Cooperative and parent partnership
- Work cooperatively with the parent education partner and the preschool board
- Supervise and coordinate parents in their role as classroom teaching assistants
- Create parent jobs for those not on the board and follow up with them
Classroom operations and facilities
- Set up, supervise, and clean up equipment needed for each day’s class with assistance from designated parents. Report to the scheduler or chairperson if parents are not meeting assigned responsibilities
- Use discretionary funds provided by the preschool to purchase supplies. With help from designated parents, purchase supplies as needed during the school year
- Submit receipts for reimbursement and recommend supply and equipment purchases to the board
Health, safety, and risk management
- Help maintain accurate allergy documentation as required by cooperative policies
- Check classroom equipment and supplies for safety and report safety concerns or equipment needs, working with the assigned parent
- Initiate periodic facility clean‑up activities per policies and coordinate with the board for follow‑through
Meetings and community responsibilities
- Attend parent meetings, board meetings, and appropriate committee meetings not to exceed three per month
- Plan, organize, and coordinate one event beyond scheduled class time to include some non‑participating family members
Professional responsibilities
- Hold current First Aid and infant/child CPR certification or obtain prior to the start of employment
- Pass a Washington State Patrol background check
- Notify the chairperson as far in advance as possible of absences due to illness
- Participate in regular professional development to support ongoing growth and high‑quality early learning practices
- Provide curriculum outlines and classroom guidance to support substitute teachers
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum two years of experience working with young children
- Strong understanding of play‑based, child‑centered learning
- Comfort supervising and directing parents working in the classroom
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to model positive guidance and developmentally appropriate practices
Preferred
- Experience in a cooperative preschool setting
- Coursework or training in early childhood education or child development
- Experience working with diverse families and learning needs
Compensation and benefits
3–4 year old class: $9,500 – $11,500 per school year, DOE
Pre‑K class: $15,500 – $18,500 per school year, DOE
Benefits include paid personal leave, paid sick leave per Washington State law, and paid family and medical leave per Washington State law.
Professional development support: The Board will approve professional development activities and related reimbursement in advance, subject to the professional development funds budgeted for the school year. The Board will arrange a substitute when professional development occurs during scheduled class time.
To apply
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter to chair@issaquahcooppreschool.com
Hiring and supervision are the responsibility of the Issaquah Cooperative Preschool Board, in collaboration with our parent education partner.
Optional On the Job Training - If the new teacher is hired during May 2026, they would have the option of working in the ICP classroom in May, shadowing the current teacher to learn all the routines and procedures and meet the children who will return in the fall. Details on schedule, pay, and total number of hours to be arranged with the board.
Non‑Discrimination Statement
Issaquah Cooperative Preschool does not discriminate against applicants, employees, families, or students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion or creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This non‑discrimination policy applies to all aspects of the preschool’s operations, including hiring practices, admissions, program participation, parent involvement, and board service. Issaquah Cooperative Preschool is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for all children, families, staff, and community members.
Pay: $25,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $9,500 - $11,500