About Us
Our small (45-60 students) private, non-profit, Reggio-inspired preschool located in Santa Monica, California since 1999 is looking to add a classroom teacher to our team for the 2024-2025 school year! Our teachers work in co-teaching teams with children ages 2 to 6, grouped by age into classes of 11-17.
We are an innovative and progressive Reggio-inspired school located in a beautiful historic building with a large, lush outdoor space, blocks from Santa Monica beach. Our practices are based in our collective experience, cultures, and the research of child development and learning theorists including Piaget, Vygotsky, Dewey, Bronfenbrenner, and Malaguzzi. The arts are central to our child-initiated, teacher-framed curriculum, and classroom teachers work in collaboration with co-teachers, support teachers, the Director, and atelieristi in our “school of many ateliers.” We are a half-day program with optional after school enrichment classes, and teachers have time every day to plan, meet, and create documentation “off the floor.” Our school is dedicated to going above and beyond in instituting health and safety policies and protocol.
Job Description and Qualifications
The classroom teacher works in the classroom, studio spaces, and outdoor environment with children and colleagues in addition to building relationships with parents during the school day and at school events and activities. The classroom teacher has a knowledge of best practices in early childhood education as interpreted by NAEYC, has knowledge of licensing practices and regulations, and also demonstrates understanding of the values supporting Reggio-inspired practice. She/he is a dedicated and professional educator who seeks to further the mission, goals, and values of the organization as well as his/her own professional development.
Responsibilities include:
- Care, preparation, and sanitation of the classroom, materials, and shared indoor and outdoor spaces in collaboration with children and colleagues
- Development of curriculum in collaboration with children and colleagues
- Documentation of children’s experiences to enhance and make visible their theories and ideas
- Communication with parents about children’s work and children’s care
- Close collaboration with atelieristi and director to create curriculum, prepare spaces, conference with parents, and support children with special rights
- Participation in professional development meetings, workshops, and conferences—at the preschool and at other locations arranged by the director
This position requires knowledge and skill in working with children (2 to 6 years of age), a cooperative, flexible, and friendly spirit, strong verbal and written communication skills, and competence with use of technology including photography, video, and MAC programs.
Light lifting and light housekeeping tasks are part of the work of the classroom teacher.
The classroom teacher works either 8am-3pm or 8am-4pm Monday through Friday, for a total of 38 hours per week. Our school year runs Mid-August to Mid-June, with 6 weeks unpaid during the summer.
Teachers will be required to follow all protocol and guidance from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the Community Care Licensing Division regarding COVID-19, including mask wearing, hand washing, physical distancing, and careful attention to health. We require COVID-19 vaccination for all school employees.
Education and Experience:
MA/BA in ECE or related field preferred. AA degree/certification in ECE acceptable with ongoing education in pursuit of BA, and a minimum of 12 ECE units (24+ strongly preferred). We require at least 2 years of early childhood teaching experience.
Salary and Benefits:
Competitive salary determined according to education and experience background. Position offers Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance covered 100% by the school, paid holidays, Winter break, and Spring break, paid professional development days at the start and end of the school year, and paid sick hours.
To apply, please send cover letter describing why you are a good fit for the position and resume including at least two professional references.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Early Childhood Education: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person