Job Description

About our organization

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California's most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving nearly 9,000 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

About this position

The teacher will implement curriculum and facilitate enriching classroom experiences, while ensuring a safe and caring environment for children enrolled in the organization’s Early Learning or School-age programs. This role is responsible for following organization policies, providing supervision for enrolled children, and maintaining a quality program.

The location for this role will be one of the organization’s specific sites in the San Gabriel Valley. Assignments will be based on program needs.

What you’ll be doing

• Planning and implementing classroom activities, based on program-specific curriculum;
• Preparing and implementing an individual educational plan for each child;
• Supervising and interacting with children in a positive manner;
• Developing and maintaining learning centers which reflect the interests and needs of the children enrolled in the program;
• Providing a wide variety of experiences for children, with an emphasis on active learning;
• Providing a well-supervised and safe environment;
• Using sensitivity and good judgment when interacting with children, parents and staff;
• Reading, following and implementing all organization and program policies and procedures;
• Encouraging language development and respect for language diversity in classroom and community;
• Facilitating monthly site staff meetings;
• Supervising the associate teacher and assistant teacher in the classroom;
• Accomplishing other duties, as assigned, to create and maintain a quality preschool program;
• Working effectively with other team members;
• Actively participating in the annual in-service training;
• Planning or participating in planning and implementing parents meetings and activities;
• Providing a clean and sanitary facility (inside and out) on a daily basis, according to Options center-based checklist;
• Recruiting, training and supervising parents and other volunteers;
• Promoting full enrollment and participating in recruitment of children as directed;
• Accurately completing all assigned paperwork and documentation, on a timely basis, according to organization policies and procedures;
• Assisting the education supervisor as needed;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

What you bring to the table

• Child development teacher permit;
• Associate degree in child development, or a related field OR 24 units in child development and 16 units in general education (depending on child age group);
• Three semester units in administration, with a passing grade of “C” or better;
• Current certification in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid acceptable to Community Care Licensing (Health and Safety Code 1596.866), and to be renewed every 2 years;
• Health screening and TB clearance, to be renewed every 5 years;
• Must present proof of immunization for TDap, MMR, whooping cough, and yearly influenza (waiver may be accepted for influenza);
• Must clear live scan background screening;
• Must complete mandated reporter certification training, to be renewed every 2 years;
• Ability to communicate in written and oral English correctly and effectively;
• A California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and automobile liability insurance (preferred);
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin or Vietnamese (preferred).

What we can offer you

• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 95% of employee’s premiums; prorated for part-time);
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan;
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement;
• Generous and flexible PTO;
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!

Job specifications

• Reports to education supervisor;
• Non-exempt, 10- to 12-month position (winter, spring, and summer breaks may occur depending on site assignment);
• Work hours may vary from part- to full-time (schedule will vary depending on site or classroom assignment);
• Organization-wide winter break;
• Limited evening or weekend hours may be required;
• Employment responsibilities, compensation, or any other factor may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at the organization’s discretion.

Salary

• $27.94 - $37.57 per hour (candidates should anticipate receiving an offer within the first quartile of the salary range)