A highly successful, well-established cooperative preschool is accepting applications for a
full-time co-lead or assistant teacher for the 2024-2025 school year (planning begins August
2024, with classes starting in September). This position is to serve Preschool and Pre-K
teacher at Lakeside Cooperative Preschool at 4101 Academy St., Bellingham, WA 98226
(Silver Beach Elementary annex building).
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool is affiliated with the Whatcom Community College Parenting
Education program, and is a nonprofit organization run by an elected volunteer executive board
and members of the cooperative. Cooperative preschools employ lead and assistant teachers who
are supported by parents who work in the classroom as part of their parenting education program.
QUALIFICATIONS
Early Childhood Education degree, certificate, or endorsement and experience working with
children 3-5 years of age, and with parents/caregivers. Elementary Education degrees will be
considered only if the applicant has early childhood/preschool teaching experience or
coursework.
Must be able to continue a thematic curriculum that contains the following elements:
-Curriculum is developmentally appropriate with experiential, play-based activities designed
to promote social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth.
-Curriculum includes art, music, dramatic play, science, outdoor play and language/literacy
activities.
-Curriculum includes parents/caregivers as teacher helpers on a daily basis. The preschool
invites family involvement and strong family partnership.
-Must be an energetic, enthusiastic person with the ability to establish constructive
relationships with children and adults.
-Experience in a cooperative preschool as a teacher or parent is preferred.
-Must be willing to maintain current first aid and CPR certifications and complete a
background check.
-Must be able to work in a high-energy environment.
-Must be able to collaborate with Whatcom Community College faculty and community
partners (school district specialists and neighboring early learning programs).
-Must be able to physically work with very young children - (must be able to squat down, sit
on the floor, sit in child-size chairs, climb stairs, pivot and run at any given moment).
-Solid knowledge of ECE and the development of young children.
-Understand that parents are their children's first teacher. We are here to partner with them to
provide the best preschool experience for their children.
-Must possess strong collaborative skills - willing and able to work with the co-teacher using
a team approach.
-Have a willingness to learn the regulations set by OPEP (Organization of Parenting
Education Programs in Washington State) for the co-op, as well as learning what is expected
when operating on campus.
-Demonstrate flexibility to adjust plans to meet the diverse needs of the group.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Full-time position will co-plan and teach 8-9 half-day sessions (4.5 days per week) of Preschool,
Multi-Age and/or Pre-K classes per week, plus weekly planning and meeting time (7:45 am -
3:45 pm Monday - Friday, with planning/meetings on Thursday afternoons instead of teaching).
Attend professional development in-service sessions at Whatcom Community College with other
preschool teachers, workshops or classes as deemed necessary by the Lakeside Cooperative
Preschool Board, parent orientations and parent education meetings, monthly meetings of the
Board and other school functions as listed on the school calendar.
Approx. 40 hrs/week. Includes 1-2 monthly evening meetings.
Salary & Benefits: $22 - $25 DOE for Lead Teacher, $17-$20 DOE for Assistant Teacher with
less experience. Paid hours include instruction, prep/planning, meetings, and communication
with families. Sick leave, FMLA, and personal time included. $200 per month Health/Wellness
stipend included to support insurance premiums and co-pays or other health/wellness needs.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
For additional information and to submit a resume and cover letter, please contact Michelle Malone,
Whatcom Community College Parenting Education instructor at mmalone@whatcom.edu.
For more details about Lakeside Cooperative Preschool and the Whatcom Community College Parenting
Education Program, visit:
https://www.lakesidecoop.com
https://www.whatcom.edu/academics/learning-options/parenting-education-program
Accepting applications until position is filled.
Lakeside Cooperative Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin in administration of
its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs or other school administered programs.
