Jewish and Hebrew Lead Preschool Teacher

JCC East Bay•Oakland, CA

12d•$31 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The JCC East Bay is seeking a Lead Teacher, 12+ Units to join their Early Childhood Education team. This role is crucial in fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that supports the learning and individual growth of preschool children. The Lead Teacher will develop and implement an emergent curriculum that integrates Jewish values, traditions, and age-appropriate Hebrew language learning, using modern teaching techniques. The position emphasizes creating an atmosphere of acceptance where children can develop a positive self-concept and are treated with dignity and respect. The JCC East Bay is moving to a new campus in Oakland in the summer of 2026, with the preschool opening in the fall of 2026.

Requirements

1-2 years of experience in an ECE setting
24 or more completed ECE units
Knowledge of current research and practices in early childhood education
Background and experience in Jewish education and Hebrew education strongly preferred
Proficient in various skill areas such as planning, scheduling, record keeping, classroom environmental design and arrangement, classroom management
Competent in various skills areas, such as music, art, science, literacy, mathematics, language development, and physical development
Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications
Ability to be on your feet and work a full 7.5 hour shift, 5 days per week
Ability to sit on the floor and to get up and down with ease
Ability to lift and carry a child, and help children with clothing, shoes or other needs
Ability to diaper change or help children with toilet needs
Quick reflexes to respond to the needs of children
Ability to work with teams of teachers in classroom settings
Ability to speak with parents about their children
Commitment to the mission of the JCC East Bay and knowledge of or commitment to learning about the Jewish community, values, and traditions

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree highly preferred
Hebrew language fluency a plus

Responsibilities

Develop inquiry-based curriculum that advances the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children, submitting a weekly lesson plan.
Develop curriculum that incorporates learning about the Jewish community, values, and traditions.
Integrate age-appropriate Hebrew language and Judaic learning experiences into daily classroom activities, introducing contemporary Israeli Hebrew vocabulary and concepts through songs, play, and routine.
Develop curriculum that aligns with organizational philosophies and overall program vision.
Support other teachers’ lesson planning and serve as a point person for collaboration around classroom lesson planning, including the integration of Hebrew and Judaic content.
Provide varied opportunities using multiple learning styles for children’s active participation, independent choices, experimentation, and problem solving within a structured setting.
Establish and maintain a well-organized, safe, and healthy environment for children.
Check materials, equipment, and supplies for adequacy and good working condition, taking preventative measures against hazards.
Maintain appropriate staff to child ratios for supervising children at all times.
Complete accurate reports (attendance, accidents/incidents, illness, medications administration, ID checks, etc.).
Maintain cleanliness of the classroom.
Observe and assess the developmental needs of each child and share observations with families.
Identify, provide, and facilitate additional assessment or interventions when necessary.
Serve as a role model and facilitate collaboration between teachers, including peer learning and observation to strengthen Hebrew and Judaic teaching practice.
Act as the point person for interceding in conflict resolution within the classroom and support amicable resolutions.
Help children find a place of calm and comfort, and attend to injuries.
Establish positive communication with parents through daily conversation and formal parent conferences.
Write a classroom newsletter.
Mentor less experienced teachers.
Participate in team meetings for curriculum planning, staff meetings, trainings, and other JCC staff meetings.
Participate in parent orientations, parent conferences, and community-wide activities and celebrations.
Meet weekly with the Program Director to discuss classroom, student, and/or team needs.
Lead peer-to-peer professional development.
Continue professional development through workshops and classes, including ongoing Hebrew language and Judaic education training.
Assist with early and/or late care, as needed.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work.
Commitment to anti-bias education.