Lead Teacher (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)

Brella•Newport Beach, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Brella is seeking Lead Teachers (Infant/Toddler/Preschool) for its new center in Newport Beach. This role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the classroom experience from the beginning. The Lead Teacher will guide the daily flow of the classroom, support co-teachers, partner with families, and implement Brella’s play-based curriculum. Responsibilities include establishing routines, building a positive classroom culture, and creating a safe, nurturing environment where children, families, and educators feel connected and supported. Brella is committed to caring for its educators through competitive pay, meaningful benefits, paid time off, and growth opportunities.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age with 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
Lead Teachers working in infant classrooms must also have at least three units specific to infant care
One to two years of Lead Teacher experience in a licensed childcare facility required for external candidates
Must 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
Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, walk, bend and otherwise fully participate in activities.
Standing for long periods of time.
Ability to physically handle children between 0-5 years of age using appropriate techniques.
Ability to lift children up to 50 pounds.
Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
Follow state, federal and Brella's guidelines regarding immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training and practices.

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 6 years.
Guide the daily flow of the classroom, including routines, transitions, curriculum, documentation, and materials.
Plan and implement Brella’s play-based curriculum, making thoughtful adjustments based on children’s developmental needs and emerging interests.
Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and modeling for co-teachers while promoting Brella’s expectations for engagement, communication, curriculum, and safety.
Serve as a primary classroom partner for families by sharing curriculum updates, developmental observations, and child support plan information.
Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers and center leadership to support a positive team culture and high-quality classroom experience.
Maintain classroom safety and compliance by following Title 22 requirements and Brella policies, procedures, and guidelines.