Early Childhood Teacher (Ages 2.5 - 5)

ARK Academy•Irvine, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

ARK Academy is seeking talented, caring, and passionate teachers to join our team for the 2026-2027 academy year. Teachers are responsible for maintaining a high-quality classroom, fostering strong character development, and supporting the holistic growth of every student. We consider part-time candidates as well. ARK Academy is a non-profit STEAM-integrated private school serving early childhood and elementary students in Irvine, California. Slated to open in Fall 2026, ARK Academy’s mission is to foster God-conscious lifelong learners who strive for excellence in character, thought, and action. Our integrated curriculum and pedagogy are rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an, the Prophet, and his Household. Our vision is to revive an interdisciplinary Islamic scholarly culture that will advance our community.

Requirements

Twelve semester units in Child Development, including the core courses of Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, and Curriculum.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents in pursuit of shared goals.
Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and respect in working with children and adults.
Openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
Commitment to fostering respect for all individuals and creating an inclusive classroom environment that values and honors every student.
Knowledge of Islamic beliefs, practices, values, and history.
CPR and First Aid Certification
Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
Health screening, including proof of Tuberculosis clearance.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

AA/BA in Early Childhood Education preferred.

Responsibilities

Create a warm, nurturing, and structured classroom environment that promotes exploration, independence, and joyful learning through purposeful play.
Establish clear routines and developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations, guiding children with patience and consistency in alignment with school policies.
Foster a character-centered classroom culture by modeling compassion, humility, integrity, and courage in daily interactions.
Support children in developing foundational social-emotional skills, including cooperation, self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Plan and implement engaging, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate lessons.
Reinforce a culture of academic readiness by promoting curiosity, language development, early literacy and numeracy skills, and problem-solving.
Integrate Islamic values, character development, and age-appropriate understanding of Islam throughout daily routines, lessons, and interactions.
Use a variety of instructional strategies—including storytelling, sensory exploration, art, movement, outdoor learning, and guided play—to support whole-child development.
Foster self-confidence, intrinsic motivation, and a love of learning by providing attentive supervision, encouragement, positive reinforcement, and meaningful responsibilities.
Observe and assess each child’s developmental progress, learning styles, and interests, and respond with individualized support and enrichment.
Maintain regular, respectful communication with parents/guardians regarding student development, classroom experiences, and school initiatives.
Partner with families and collaborate with colleagues to address academic, developmental, health, or social-emotional concerns.
Attend virtual and in-person professional development to maintain current in early childhood education best practices and child development research.
Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and collaborative planning as required.
Uphold and reflect the mission, philosophy, and core values of ARK Academy in all professional interactions.