Early Childhood Teacher (Ages 2.5 - 5)
ARK Academy
Location
Irvine, California
Salary
$45,000 - $56,000 / YEAR
Quick overview
Teachers are responsible for creating a warm, structured classroom environment that promotes exploration and joyful learning through purposeful play, while also establishing clear routines and developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations. They must plan and implement engaging, hands-on lessons that reinforce academic readiness and integrate Islamic values throughout daily routines and interactions.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess twelve semester units in Child Development, including core courses like Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, and Curriculum, with an AA/BA in Early Childhood Education preferred. Required regulatory compliance includes CPR/First Aid Certification, DOJ fingerprint clearance, Tuberculosis clearance, and proof of US work eligibility.
Job description
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Training & development
- Tuition assistance
Please submit a resume and a letter demonstrating your interest in the position.
Job Summary ARK Academy is seeking talented, caring, and passionate teachers to join our team for the 2026-2027 academy year. Teachers are responsible for maintaining a high-quality classroom, fostering strong character development, and supporting the holistic growth of every student.
We consider part-time candidates as well.
Responsibilities
- Classroom Leadership
- Create a warm, nurturing, and structured classroom environment that promotes exploration, independence, and joyful learning through purposeful play.
- Establish clear routines and developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations, guiding children with patience and consistency in alignment with school policies.
- Foster a character-centered classroom culture by modeling compassion, humility, integrity, and courage in daily interactions.
- Support children in developing foundational social-emotional skills, including cooperation, self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution.
- Instruction
- Plan and implement engaging, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Reinforce a culture of academic readiness by promoting curiosity, language development, early literacy and numeracy skills, and problem-solving.
- Integrate Islamic values, character development, and age-appropriate understanding of Islam throughout daily routines, lessons, and interactions.
- Use a variety of instructional strategies—including storytelling, sensory exploration, art, movement, outdoor learning, and guided play—to support whole-child development.
- Student Support & Partnership
- Foster self-confidence, intrinsic motivation, and a love of learning by providing attentive supervision, encouragement, positive reinforcement, and meaningful responsibilities.
- Observe and assess each child’s developmental progress, learning styles, and interests, and respond with individualized support and enrichment.
- Maintain regular, respectful communication with parents/guardians regarding student development, classroom experiences, and school initiatives.
- Partner with families and collaborate with colleagues to address academic, developmental, health, or social-emotional concerns.
- Professional Responsibilities
- Attend virtual and in-person professional development to maintain current in early childhood education best practices and child development research.
- Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and collaborative planning as required.
- Uphold and reflect the mission, philosophy, and core values of ARK Academy in all professional interactions.
Qualifications
- Twelve semester units in Child Development, including the core courses of Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, and Curriculum.
- AA/BA in Early Childhood Education preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents in pursuit of shared goals.
- Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and respect in working with children and adults.
- Openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
- Commitment to fostering respect for all individuals and creating an inclusive classroom environment that values and honors every student.
- Knowledge of Islamic beliefs, practices, values, and history.
Regulatory Requirements
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
- Health screening, including proof of Tuberculosis clearance.
- Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Health Insurance
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Matching
- Tuition Assistance
- Training & Development