Preschool Assistant Teacher - Temporary Sub

We are looking for an enthusiastic Preschool Teaching Assistant to join our team for the 2026 - 2027 school year!

The PlayGarden runs a developmentally appropriate, nature-based preschool program for children with disabilities and their typically developing peers. The program is inclusive, outdoors, and serves children ages 3- 6 years old. Our nature-based curriculum encourages children to engage with the natural world through gardening, harvesting, cooking, exploring, and tending our resident bunnies, ducks, and chickens. PlayGarden staff are experts in childhood development and special education. For more information about the PlayGarden, visit https://seattleplaygarden.org/preschool/

Job Specifics:

Job Title: Preschool Teaching Assistant - Temporary Sub Position

Supervisor(s): Executive Director and Preschool Lead Teachers

Dates: Immediate start - December 31st, 2026 with potential to continue into 2027

Days/Hours: 3 days/week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, approx. 8 am-2:30 pm, 20 hours per week

Rate of Pay: $24-26/DOE + $600 benefit stipend each month for employees that work 20 over hours/week.

Job Description:

• Interact closely with children, including assisting with dressing, feeding, and toileting.
• Support children during social engagement with other children, indoor and outdoor activities, cooking activities, and group activities.
• Communicate with teachers and parents about behavioral challenges, goals, and achievements of children.
• Clean and organize indoor and outdoor facilities after class time. Including dishes, laundry, garbage, and materials used during class.
• Assist in the general cleaning and upkeep of indoor and outdoor facilities, including preschool classroom, bathrooms, breezeway, animal coop area, basement storage, and outdoor play areas.
• Participate in curriculum and lesson planning with teachers- consists of daily debriefs, weekly and monthly team meetings.
• Participate in some evening and weekend activities, including parent conferences, planning meetings, and class celebrations.

Job Requirements:

• Must be playful, responsible, creative, passionate about inclusion and enjoy working outside in ALL weather.
• Experience working with school age children or younger
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with adults and children from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (within 30 days of employment)
• Ability to pass a WA State background check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bilingual ability, naturalist, tinkerer, maker, or artist.

Employee Review: We will have a check in regarding how the job is going & job performance. Check in again at the end of the school year to discuss job performance and that will determine future opportunities in this role.

To apply: Email cover letter & resume to Executive Director, Liz Bullard, liz@seattleplaygarden.org. Applicants will be reviewed and notified of next steps as they come in.

$600 benefit stipend each month for employees that work 20 over hours/week.

Must be proficient in spoken and written English.