Junior Early Learning Coach - Temporary

Full Job Description

The City of Seattle wants every child to have the opportunity to succeed in their education. This journey starts with providing access to high-quality early education to our youngest learners.

To achieve this goal, Seattle is investing in early learning programs that aim to provide high-quality early childhood education.

Early Learning Educators will need to provide nurturing care and instruction that builds on children’s strengths and develops their sense of engagement as lifelong learners.

The objective of the Seattle Preschool Program is to serve all eligible and interested 3 and 4-year-olds in Seattle.

To ensure that we are providing Educators with the support they need, we are looking for a temporary Junior Early Learning Coach to bring guidance, coaching, and training for early learning programs.

Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/education to learn more about the Department of Education & Early Learning.

The Department of Education & Early Learning strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff that value the importance of working together as a government and community to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity.

Our core values of equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration guide our work, support our operations, and hold us accountable.

This is a five-month temporary opportunity that starts on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and ends on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Requirements

Do you want to learn more about being part of this program? In this position:

Your top 3 priorities will be:

• Conducting classroom/teacher/child observations while providing consistent coaching support, and timely written reflective feedback.
• Supporting the implementation of an anti-bias and culturally responsive approach in all early learning classrooms.
• Providing ongoing cross collaborative support for SPP trainings and institutes as assigned by Coach Manager.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Providing on-site instructional and culturally responsive coaching to teachers to help them with curriculum implementation, effective teaching practices, and quality learning environments.
• Creating learning cycle goals in partnership with Senior Early Learning Coach, teachers, and directors and providing support to meet these goals
• Working with an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental team to ensure programmatic alignment across all early learning sites
• Developing quality improvement plans, reviewing teacher education plans and assessment data, and completing other activities as assigned from the Senior Early Learning Coach or Manager

You will be most successful in this role if you possess one or more of the following:

• Coaching or mentoring experience
• Experience as a classroom teacher working in a preschool or childcare center
• An understanding of the coaching process
• Knowledge of HighScope and Creative Curriculum
• Classroom Assessment Scoring System certification (CLASS)
• Certification in Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS-3)
• The ability to effectively communicate with site directors, stakeholders, teachers, and colleagues
• Experienced with managing time effectively and taking initiative to solve problems as they arise

Qualifications

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Education with Preschool-Third Grade Certification
• Three years of professional experience in early learning, including teaching, coaching, and/or training

OR

• Associate Degree in Human Development, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Education with Preschool-Third Grade Certification
• Four years of professional experience in early learning, including teaching, coaching, and/or training

OR

• Master of Arts Degree in Human Development, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Education with Preschool-Third Grade Certification
• Two years of professional experience in early learning, including teaching, coaching, and/or training

License Requirements

• Current Washington State driver's license.

Additional Information

This position is eligible for overtime and is classified as an Early Education Specialist and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union, PTE Local 17 – Professional Unit.

Salary: New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $44.73 per hour. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $44.73 - $52.18 per hour. Employees will receive premium pay in lieu of benefits.

Hiring Timeline: Interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026 with an anticipated start date of Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Accommodations: We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact Sandra Wong at sandra.wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Working Schedule: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three days a week.

It requires daily local travel and will provide on-site classroom visits throughout Seattle and parts of King County.

Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Driving Abstract: If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to obtain a complete 5-Year driving record from the Department of Licensing.

Background Check: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Why work at the City?

At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city.

With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all.

Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together.

Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted for this position until 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• Cover Letter

We encourage you to review the City of Seattle’s Application and Interviewing Tips Guide, which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

This non-benefits-eligible temporary position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.

The Department of Education & Early Learning values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The Department of Education & Early Learning encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

If you have questions please contact Sandra Wong at Sandra.Wong@seattle.gov.