About the Role
Madison Park Cooperative Preschool is seeking a warm, collaborative, and nurturing Part-Time Assistant Teacher to support our play-based preschool classrooms and cooperative community.
The Assistant Teacher works closely with fellow Co-op staff to help create a joyful, safe, and engaging classroom environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically through play and exploration. This role also includes partnering with families and supporting the cooperative preschool model by helping caregivers feel welcomed, included, and empowered as participants in the classroom community.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who sees what needs to be taken care of in the classroom and gets it done. They are relationship-driven, flexible, organized, open in their communication, and passionate about early childhood education and community-building. They are a warm, welcoming, and inviting presence to all families and children at the school.
Responsibilities:
Classroom Support & Child Development
- Support the Lead Teacher/s in creating and maintaining a nurturing, play-based classroom environment
- Assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily classroom activities
- Foster children’s social-emotional growth, confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills
- Encourage creativity, curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning experiences
- Support children’s fine and gross motor development through classroom activities and outdoor play
- Help maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming learning environment
- Use positive, respectful, and relationship-based behavior guidance practices
- Observe, document, and support children’s individual developmental needs
Family & Community Engagement
- Welcome and support parents and caregivers participating in the cooperative classroom model
- Help foster a warm, inclusive, and connected school community
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
- Support caregivers as active participants in their child’s educational experience
- Contribute to a classroom culture rooted in collaboration, kindness, and mutual respect
Collaboration & Professionalism
- Collaborate closely with the Lead Teacher/s and school leadership
- Participate in staff meetings, school events, and professional development opportunities as appropriate
- Support daily classroom preparation, setup, cleanup, and organization
- Maintain professionalism, flexibility, and open communication within the school community
Requirements
Scheduling:
Required: Monday 8am - 6pm, Wednesday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 2:30pm
More hours available on Tuesdays and Thursday (8:30am-12:30pm)
We generally follow Seattle Public School's schedule - regular hours are guaranteed for school breaks/holidays.
Qualifications:
Professional working experience with children aged 0-4 preferred
Formal Training/Education in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field strongly preferred
Understanding of or interest in play-based and Cooperative preschool philosophy
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
Warm, patient, dependable, and community-minded approach
Able to pass a background check appropriate for working with children (MPCP will conduct)
Mandatory reporter training, WA Food Handler's certificate, Current Infant/Child First Aid and CPR training (or willingness to obtain before first day of school)
Candidate Qualities
Passion for early childhood education and relationship-based learning
Enthusiasm for community-building and family partnership
Flexible, positive, and collaborative mindset
Ability to create meaningful connections with children and families
Creative, organized, and nurturing presence
Ablility to communicate openly and directly with various stakeholders - including the all-volunteer board who run the school, lead teacher/s, school director and member families
About our School
Madison Park Cooperative Preschool (MPCP) is a cooperative preschool community rooted in play-based learning, parent and caregiver education, and meaningful connection within our schoolhouse and beyond. We believe children learn best through exploration, creativity, hands-on experiences, and strong relationships with the caring adults in their lives.
At MPCP, we provide a nurturing and supportive environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, question, and grow through meaningful play and hands-on learning experiences. We believe children thrive when surrounded by caring adults who actively engage in their learning journey. Through our cooperative model, children build confidence, independence, social-emotional awareness, and academic readiness skills within a warm and connected community.
We believe successful learning develops positive self-esteem. Children thrive when they are given opportunities to make choices, gather information through experience, solve problems, and evaluate outcomes in a safe and encouraging environment. Our classrooms are intentionally designed to challenge fine and gross motor skills, foster independence and self-help skills, and inspire curiosity, experimentation, and joyful discovery.
At the heart of MPCP is the belief that every family benefits from being well supported and deeply connected within a caring community. Our primary focus is to nurture, educate, and support each child, caregiver, and family member wherever they are in their journey. The relationships formed within a cooperative preschool create an invaluable network of support, connection, and shared experience for both children and adults alike.
We hope you'll join us! Apply below!
Contact: hiring@madisonparkcoop.com with any questions