Lead Teacher Arlington

Hours
: 40 hours weekly
Compensation
: $23–$26 per hour, commensurate with experience and education

At Close Reach Academy, we believe childhood is magical—and so is teaching. Our classrooms
are places filled with curiosity, laughter, connection, and growth. We’re looking for a Lead
Teacher who brings not only expertise, but also joy, warmth, and enthusiasm to every day.
If you love sparking discovery, building meaningful relationships, and creating a vibrant learning
environment where every child feels seen and celebrated, we would love to welcome you to our
team.

Under general supervision, the Lead Teacher provides developmentally appropriate care and
instruction for children enrolled at Close Reach Academy. This role includes designing
engaging, age-appropriate curriculum; fostering strong and supportive relationships with children
and families; and modeling high-quality, joyful teaching practices for your team. Lead Teachers
guide, inspire, and collaborate—helping create a classroom environment that is safe, enriching,
and alive with learning.

• Champion health & safety with heart. You understand that caring for children begins with ensuring their physical and emotional well-being, always maintaining ratios and following licensing requirements.
• Create a joyful, well-managed classroom. With warmth and consistency, you provide continuous supervision and positive behavior guidance in alignment with CRA policies.
• Design exciting learning experiences. Plan, adapt, and schedule age-appropriate curriculum that sparks curiosity and supports cognitive growth in alignment with Washington State benchmarks.
• Keep the classroom inviting and inspiring. Ensure learning spaces are clean, orderly, safe, and full of opportunities for exploration.
• Support your team generously. From setting up activities to navigating transitions, you collaborate with assistants and fellow teachers to keep the day running smoothly—and joyfully.
• Observe, document, and celebrate growth. Record daily observations, track developmental milestones, and develop individualized assessments that help each child thrive.
• Maintain accurate records with care. Manage attendance, enrollment documentation, and confidential files responsibly.
• Protect children with vigilance. Monitor for signs of abuse and report concerns immediately to appropriate authorities.
• Stay inspired and up-to-date. Remain current in early childhood development research and complete required continuing education.
• Partner with families. Schedule and lead parent-teacher conferences, offering compassionate communication and personalized strategies to support each child’s learning journey.
• Uphold licensing and policy standards. Follow all regulatory guidelines and organizational expectations with excellence and integrity.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Psychology, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience working with children in a group care setting
• Completion of 30 hours of STARS training
• First Aid/CPR certification (within the last two years)

• Associate’s Degree in ECE or a similar field of study
• 2+ years of experience working with children in a group care setting
• Willingness to undergo a background check and complete required training certificates (30 Hours STARS, First Aid/CPR, Washington State Food Handlers)

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid personal time off
• Paid sick time
• Paid holidays
• Childcare discount
• 90-day probationary period

We’re a community that believes learning should feel like an adventure—messy, meaningful, hands-on, and full of heart. As a Lead Teacher, you become a guide, a mentor, a cheerleader, and a steady source of joy in the classroom. Your creativity is encouraged. Your voice is valued.

Your passion becomes part of the school’s culture.

If you’re ready to inspire young minds and help shape a learning environment where children— and teachers—love to be, Close Reach Academy is waiting to meet you.