Lead Infant Teacher - Newport Beach

Brella•Newport Beach, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Brella is hiring a Lead Infant Teacher for its new Newport Beach center at 2500 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663. The Lead Infant Teacher will help shape the classroom experience at the new center by guiding daily classroom operations, supporting co-teachers, partnering with families, and implementing Brella’s play-based curriculum. The role focuses on establishing thoughtful routines and a positive classroom culture while creating a safe, nurturing, and connected environment for children, families, and educators. The teacher will work with children ages 3 months to 15 months and collaborate with co-teachers and center leadership to provide a high-quality classroom experience. The position requires compliance with Title 22 requirements and Brella’s policies, procedures, and guidelines. The pay range is $23.00–$25.00 per hour, with final compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent.
At least 12 units of Child Development and/or Early Childhood Education coursework, as required by Title 22, Section 101216.1.
At least three units specific to infant care for Lead Teachers working in infant classrooms.
One to two years of Lead Teacher experience in a licensed childcare facility for external candidates.
Meet all applicable California Department of Social Services and childcare licensing requirements.
Knowledge of early childhood development, group care settings, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Patient, calm, and nurturing approach to working with children.
Ability to guide classroom operations, routines, and curriculum implementation.
Ability to provide clear direction, mentorship, and constructive feedback to co-teachers.
Strong family communication and relationship-building skills.
Collaborative approach and ability to communicate respectfully with coworkers and center leadership.
Strong organization and attention to classroom documentation, materials, and safety requirements.
Sound judgment and a solutions-focused approach to classroom challenges.
Ability to receive direction, apply feedback, and adapt to classroom and center needs.
Comfort using technology.
Ability to demonstrate full range of motion, including lifting, reaching, squatting, climbing, sitting, walking, and bending, and to participate fully in activities.
Ability to stand for long periods and physically handle children ages 0–5 using appropriate techniques.
Ability to lift children up to 50 pounds.
Ability to maintain mental and physical alertness and appropriate energy to perform essential job requirements.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, RIE, and/or Montessori principles.

Responsibilities

Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment for children ages 3 months to 15 months.
Guide classroom routines, transitions, curriculum, documentation, and materials.
Plan and implement Brella’s play-based curriculum, adjusting it to children’s developmental needs and emerging interests.
Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and modeling for co-teachers in engagement, communication, curriculum, and safety.
Share curriculum updates, developmental observations, and child support plan information with families as a primary classroom partner.
Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers and center leadership to support a positive team culture and high-quality classroom experience.
Maintain classroom safety and compliance with Title 22 requirements and Brella policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
Follow state, federal, and Brella guidelines regarding immunizations, employment physicals, and required health and safety training and practices.