Educator - Salary

Position Summary

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (OLG) is seeking a faith-filled and qualified Preschool Lead Teacher for our Early Learning Center (ages 3 and 4). In alignment with the OLG mission, the ideal candidate will foster Gospel values, inspire academic excellence, and develop service and leadership within a nurturing, play-based environment. This role requires compliance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 110-300 center standards, active professional tracking in MERIT, and strict adherence to the Archdiocese of Seattle Safe Environment requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Mission & Values Integration: Infuse Catholic faith, Gospel values, and social-emotional learning into the daily classroom routine and community environment.
• Preschool Curriculum: Plan and execute culturally responsive lessons for 3-to-4-year-olds focusing on kindergarten readiness, social-emotional skills, and language development.
• Classroom Management: Maintain positive behavioral support systems suitable for preschool-aged children.
• Communication: Positively and professionally communicate with parents, supervisors and colleagues in a manner that fosters relationships and collaboration. Communication models our mission to serve all learners and families in our care with respect and dignity. 
• WAC Compliance: Keep the classroom environment aligned with all center-based licensing regulations.
• MERIT Maintenance: Keep your professional record, health clearances, and educational documents fully updated in the state registry.
• Complete the Enhancing Quality of Early Learning (EQEL) training series within 36 months of hire.
• Engaged Faculty Member: Actively engages and participates as a member of the schoolwide faculty, attends professional development, staff meetings, and meets all requirements with fidelity.

Qualifications: 

• Education: Must hold an Initial Certificate or higher and should be working towards a further DCYF Educational Pathway qualifications recorded in MERIT: 
  • A WA State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Short Certificate (20–26 college credits). Required within a year of hire at OLG. 
  • An active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
  • An Associate, Bachelor, or Master’s degree in ECE, Child Development, or human development.
• Experience working with 3-4 year-olds in an educational setting for at least one year. 
• Understanding and respect of the mission of Catholic schools. 
• Is flexible, takes initiative, desires collaboration and feedback, models compassion and has a positive attitude, is punctual and organized. 

• Requirements by Hire Date: 
  • MERIT Account: Must possess an active MERIT (State Workforce Registry) ID number with a cleared DCYF Background Check (including fingerprints).
  • Initial STARS Training: Must have completed the 30-Hour Child Care Basics (STARS) course, or be willing to complete it within the required state timeline.
  • Ongoing STARS Hours: Commitment to completing 10 hours of annual MERIT-approved STARS in-service training to maintain compliance.
  • Health Clearances: Valid negative Tuberculosis (TB) test recorded in MERIT.
  • Required Certifications: 
    • Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid, WA State Food Handler Permit, and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications.
  • Virtus / Safe Environment: Must complete the Archdiocese of Seattle Safe Environment training (Virtus) and remain fully compliant with all background check updates.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.