Educator - POCS

The Community Solution Education System•Pasadena, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Educators at the Pacific Oaks Children’s School (POCS) are responsible for delivering high-quality early childhood learning experiences that incorporate anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, peaceful conflict resolution, and developmentally appropriate practices. This role involves creating safe and inclusive learning environments, partnering with families, and promoting children's social-emotional development, inquiry, and play-based exploration. Educators contribute to the development and refinement of child-centered learning practices that align with the school's core values. The position is structured across four progressive levels (I, II, II+, and III), each with increasing responsibilities, professional judgment, and leadership influence, reflecting a tiered framework of decision-making and instructional autonomy.

Requirements

All incumbents must be able to meet licensing and health requirements, including TB clearance, required immunizations, and fingerprint/background clearances.
Educator I Minimum Qualifications: 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related coursework (AA preferred).
Educator I Minimum Qualifications: Six (6) months of experience working with children in a group setting.
Educator II and II+ Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related coursework (AA preferred).
Educator II and II+ Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (BA) in ECE, Child Development, or related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
Educator II and II+ Minimum Qualifications: A combination of education and/or related professional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Educator II and II+ Minimum Qualifications: Two (2) years of teaching experience in early childhood settings using progressive/play-based approaches.
Educator III Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related coursework (AA preferred).
Educator III Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (BA) in ECE, Child Development, or related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
Educator III Minimum Qualifications: A combination of education and/or related professional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Educator III Minimum Qualifications: Three (3) years of progressively responsible teaching experience in early childhood settings using progressive/play-based approaches.
Educator III Minimum Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in coaching and evaluating staff, leading curriculum development, and supporting inclusive practices in the classroom.
Ability to perform essential physical requirements of working with young children (e.g., active engagement outdoors, lifting and movement as needed).
Competence in child observation, documentation, and developmental summary practices.
Strong family partnership and conflict-resolution skills; ability to manage complex child/family situations appropriately.
Bilingual skills and ability to partner with diverse families and communities.
Knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practice, and play-based learning.
Ability to implement emergent curriculum and document children’s learning through observation and reflection.
Commitment to anti-bias education, inclusive practice, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Strong communication skills with children, families, and colleagues; professionalism and confidentiality.
Ability to collaborate in a team-based environment and (Educator II/III) to coach or mentor others.
Sound judgment in child supervision, health and safety practices, and escalation of concerns.
Organizational skills to manage routines, documentation timelines, and classroom/yard logistics.

Nice To Haves

Educator I Preferred Qualifications: Associate degree (AA) in ECE, Child Development, or related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
Educator I Preferred Qualifications: One (1) year of experience in early childhood settings.
Educator II and II+ Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree (BA) in ECE, Child Development, or related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
Educator II and II+ Preferred Qualifications: Three (3) years of teaching experience in early childhood settings using progressive/play-based approaches.
Educator II and II+ Preferred Qualifications: Experience mentoring junior staff.
Educator III Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree (BA) in ECE, Child Development, or related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
Educator III Preferred Qualifications: Five (5) years of teaching experience in early childhood settings using progressive/play-based approaches.
Educator III Preferred Qualifications: Training or certification in anti-bias education, RIE/Reggio-inspired practice, inclusion and/or special needs support, or related approaches.

Responsibilities

Support and implement the school’s philosophy, values, and pedagogical approach.
Engage with children in a developmentally appropriate, respectful, and responsive manner.
Maintain safe, clean, organized, and purposeful indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Observe and document children’s behavior, development, and interests.
Collaborate with colleagues to support consistent routines and positive classroom culture.
Communicate professionally with families through daily interactions and assigned documentation.
Supervise and support adults in the learning environment, including parents, volunteers, and student observers, ensuring alignment with school practices and student safety.
Participate in staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.
Participate in school events outside of standard hours, including family engagement activities, conferences, and community events, as assigned.
Comply with all licensing, health, safety, and school policies.
Report to their designated supervisor and work within the established organizational structure.
Support Educator III in daily yard operations and instructional planning (Educator II).
Assist with curriculum implementation and environmental preparation as directed (Educator II).
Contribute observations and documentation toward developmental summaries (Educator II).
Assist Educator III in preparing for and participating in parent conferences and meetings (Educator II).
Provide guidance and informal mentoring to Educator I staff through modeling and support (Educator II).
Help orient new staff, substitutes, and practicum students within the yard (Educator II).
Support consistency in routines, expectations, and classroom practices (Educator II).
May assume temporary coverage responsibilities under Educator III direction (Educator II).
Take a lead role in implementing curriculum and guiding daily classroom flow in alignment with Educator III direction (Educator II+).
Independently plan and facilitate learning experiences based on child observations and emergent curriculum (Educator II+).
Play a key role in maintaining consistency of pedagogical practices across the yard (Educator II+).
Support coordination of daily operations, including transitions, coverage needs, and environmental setup (Educator II+).
Provide consistent mentoring and coaching to Educator I staff and contribute to the development of Educator II peers (Educator II+).
Assist in onboarding, modeling best practices, and reinforcing school expectations for new staff and students (Educator II+).
Take increased responsibility for documentation, including contributing substantially to developmental summaries and child portfolios (Educator II+).
Co-facilitate parent conferences and participate in more complex family communications with guidance from Educator III (Educator II+).
Help identify classroom or yard-level needs and bring forward recommendations for improvement (Educator II+).
May take the lead in the temporary absence of the Educator III, ensuring continuity of operations (without formal supervisory authority) (Educator II+).
Lead and manage the educational program for the assigned yard (Educator III).
Develop curriculum and pedagogical practices in collaboration with the Associate Director of Education (Educator III).
Supervise, coach, and evaluate Educator I and Educator II staff (Educator III).
Assign responsibilities and ensure appropriate staffing and coverage (Educator III).
Oversee observation systems, documentation, and completion of developmental summaries (Educator III).
Serve as the primary supervisor and mentor for fieldwork/practicum students, including coordination with partner programs and providing formal feedback (Educator III).
Lead parent conferences, meetings, and complex family communications (Educator III).
Lead and facilitate Back to School Night and other key family engagement events (Educator III).
Facilitate staff meetings and professional learning within the yard (Educator III).
Coordinate with specialists and external consultants to support children’s needs (Educator III).
Ensure licensing compliance and alignment with school-wide standards (Educator III).
Serve as the primary liaison between the yard and school leadership (Educator III).
Participate in strategic planning and school-wide initiatives (Educator III).