Lead Teacher-Preschool (Mayfair Early Learning Center)

Kidango • San Jose, CA

1d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher provides leadership in the daily supervision, care, and early learning experiences of preschool-age children in a state-funded early childhood program. The role is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom where children feel supported, engaged, and prepared to learn.

The Lead Teacher models high-quality teaching, positive guidance, strong teacher-child interactions, and intentional curriculum planning. They lead curriculum implementation, manage daily routines, conduct ongoing child observations, maintain developmental documentation, and communicate with families. They also guide classroom staff in maintaining consistency, safety, and professionalism.

Working closely with the Center Director, the Lead Teacher ensures classroom practices align with organizational standards and applicable state regulations, including Title 22 and Title 5. The role supports individualized learning by adapting instruction and the classroom environment to children’s diverse developmental needs, including IEP goals and other specialized supports.

Requirements

• California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Teacher Permit required.
• Must meet Title 5 and Title 22 requirements for a preschool Lead Teacher, including required Early Childhood Education units.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate preschool practices, curriculum planning, active supervision, and positive guidance strategies.
• Ability to support children with developmental needs, disabilities, IEP goals, or other individualized supports.
• Ability to provide leadership, accept responsibility, work independently, and support strong classroom teamwork.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Completion of required health and safety training, including nutrition training, as applicable.
• Immunization records must comply with Senate Bill 792 requirements, including measles, pertussis, and influenza requirements.
• Must be a mandated reporter.
• Must pass a health screening and TB test.
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance.
• Valid driver license required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds may be needed for some job duties.
• Must use hands for tasks such as computer work and answering phone calls.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Two to three years of experience working with preschool-age children in a licensed early childhood program preferred.
• Experience leading classroom activities, supporting other teaching staff, and helping maintain a high-quality learning environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily supervision, care, and early learning experiences of preschool-age children in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum, lesson plans, learning experiences, and routines that support children’s development, interests, and individual needs.
• Promote children’s social-emotional, physical, cognitive, language, literacy, math, and school-readiness development through play-based learning, positive guidance, and strong teacher-child interactions.
• Support daily routines, including arrival, meals, toileting, rest time, transitions, indoor and outdoor play, and small- and large-group activities.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure the classroom team follows health, safety, supervision, licensing, and program requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Title 22, Title 5, and applicable organizational policies and procedures for state-funded early learning programs.
• Observe and document children’s development using required assessment tools, screenings, notes, photos, and work samples, and use the information to plan individualized learning experiences.
• Support children with IEP goals, developmental needs, disabilities, or other specialized supports in partnership with families, center leadership, and support staff.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, observations, developmental documentation, assessments, and other required program records.
• Communicate respectfully and regularly with families, participate in parent-teacher conferences, and support family engagement practices that recognize families as a child’s first teacher.
• Provide leadership, modeling, and daily guidance to Associate Teachers, Teacher Aides, and classroom support staff.
• Support classroom organization, cleanliness, materials preparation, and readiness.
• Collaborate with the Center Director, classroom team, and support staff to support classroom operations, continuity of care, and quality services.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching, training, and professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff and represent the organization’s mission, values, and professional expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world.
• Opportunity to improve lives, solve difficult problems, and contribute to change.
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with engaged colleagues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed