Training & Research Foundation·Santa Ana, California
The Infant Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, challenging learning environment by implementing Creative Curriculum and CDE standards for preschool children. Key duties include developing individualized lesson plans, maintaining a safe classroom, and fostering strong partnerships with families.
Description JOIN OUR TEAM | Training and Research Foundation Are you a nurturing, passionate early childhood educator who lights up when you see a toddler make a breakthrough? Training and Research Foundation (TRF) is looking for am Infant Teacher to help create a warm, stimulating environment where our youngest learners can grow, explore, and thrive.
If you believe every child deserves a strong start and you have the heart and skills to make that happen, we want to hear from you.
ABOUT TRF Training and Research Foundation is a California nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality early childhood education to families who need it most. Operating under Title 22 and Title 5 regulatory frameworks, TRF serves children and families across Orange and Riverside Counties with a commitment to excellence, equity, and community partnership.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE You'll make a lasting impact during one of the most formative stages of a child's development.
You'll be part of a mission-driven team that values people, integrity, and excellence.
You'll implement a research-backed curriculum that honors each child's individual needs and strengths.
You'll build meaningful relationships with families and be a trusted presence in their children's lives.
WHAT YOU'LL DO Implement the Creative Curriculum and CDE Standards for CCTR classrooms.
Prepare daily lesson plans in advance that include both indoor and outdoor activities; are individualized and based on the Infant/Toddler child’s needs, interest and schedules; and, include multicultural educational materials and activities.
Develop an age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on the needs of each child in accordance with California Department of Education, Desired Results and ITERS standards.
Ensure family-style meals and other elements of the curriculum are taking place on a daily basis as appropriate.
Document volunteer activities, and parent communication regarding children's functions and activities.
Organize classroom according to developmental levels and individual needs of the children ensuring: the development of trust and emotional security; opportunities to explore a variety of sensory and motor experiences; opportunities for the development of self-awareness, autonomy, and self-expression; and opportunities for gross and fine motor development.
Ensure classrooms are home like, safe, sanitary, and free of clutter.
Organize the classroom in rudimentary learning centers that are well defined, rotating materials routinely to create a stimulating environment.
Promote the development of secure relationships with Infants/Toddlers assigned by assuring primary and continuity of care.
Relate to preschool children in a calm, caring, nurturing, soothing manner, responding to all cries, babbles, and talks, using appropriate child guidance techniques at all times.
Stay involved with children at all times during the day.
Observe children and record observations in anecdotal records, making appropriate referrals.
Conduct developmental screenings.
Maintain updated individual and group checklists according to program policies and procedures.
Provide meals and snacks to children according to their age, development and needs.
Conduct family style dining and implement according to program policy and procedures, and CDE Standards.
Involve parents in all aspects of the classroom.
Greet parents and children pleasantly and appropriately, ensuring a smooth transition into the center, a positive home-center connection and a family partnership.
Maintain ongoing professional and appropriate communication with parents through a variety of methods and send activities home that parents can do with their children to support the curriculum and the child's learning.
Encourage parents to become involved in workshops, training and other activities.
Maintain accurate attendance records, food reports, in-kind reports and other record keeping and reports, as required.
Participate in program training and staff meetings.
Maintain supplies and submit a list to Program Director when additional items are needed.
Report to work at scheduled times and maintain good attendance.
Perform all duties in a timely and professional manner.
Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.
Perform other duties assigned and reasonably within the scope of the duties listed above.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES) An Associates of Arts or Science (AA/AS) degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field and a minimum of 24 ECE units and a Teacher Permit issued from CCTC. BA Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Master Teacher or higher permit preferred. Minimum two years’ experience working with Preschool Children (ages 3-5 years) Good oral and written communication skills Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation. Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. Able to resolve conflicts, gentle, loving, kind, creative and resourceful. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people. Excellent problem solving, planning, and organizational skills. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Complete a physical examination (LIC 503), and provide proof of immunization for the following: influenza, Tdap, MMR and a Current TB test. Submission of satisfactory proof of your identity and your legal authorization to work in the United States. If you fail to submit this proof, federal law prohibits us from hiring you. Complete Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training (AB1207) Criminal Record Clearance (DOJ/FBI/CACI) Compensation: $25 to $28 per hour
Market context
Infant teacher roles in California are commonly sought in licensed child care centers, where staffing needs are shaped by infant-to-staff ratio requirements and consistent enrollment. Competition is often strongest for candidates who already meet the infant-toddler qualification path, have licensed-center experience, and can show reliability in a regulated classroom setting. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your ECE units, CDA, or experience before applying.
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