Easterseals Southern California·San Marcos, California
The Preschool Teacher plans and implements a developmentally appropriate and inclusive curriculum for children in the Head Start program. They are responsible for maintaining classroom safety, conducting home visits, and managing individual child progress through assessments and documentation.
Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. JOIN OUR TEAM AND RECEIVE A $2000 HIRING BONUS!
Candidates who possess relevant Infant and Toddler units are eligible for additional compensation.
OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under general supervision, plans, implements, and evaluates a developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational curriculum for children in the Early Head Start/Head Start program.
Performs as an educator for assigned children.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Performs as an educator for assigned children in the classroom throughout the child’s enrollment in the program.
Supports primary care-giving in meeting the personal care of children, including safety and visual supervision Plans, implements and supervises a developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational curriculum for young children, in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, policies and procedures and Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) standards of conduct.
Conducts home visits and parent conferences within required timelines Ensures individual child goals are created and implemented with parent input.
Maintains weekly lesson plans, progress and anecdotal notes, and current paperwork.
Completes child screenings and assessments within required timeframe Coordinates and conducts bi-monthly classroom unit meetings.
Provides input to evaluate volunteers and college interns.
Actively participates in staff meetings, parent meetings, and in-service training.
Participates in planning associate and parent training activities, parent meetings and workshops Coordinates parent education, training and support for pregnant women including prenatal education, breast-feeding information, and other health resources Performs other duties as assigned EDUCATION: A.A.
Degree in early childhood education, child development and/or related field.
Must possess and maintain a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit.
Must meet ongoing educational requirements to qualify for child development permit/CDA requirements.
Must possess and maintain current pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and First Aid certificate .
Must possess Food Handler certificate.
EXPERIENCE: Experience teaching in a preschool or infant/toddler classroom setting, which includes 175 days of 3+ hours per day within 4 year period.
Training and experience necessary to develop consistent, stable and supportive relationships with very young children.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Able to develop knowledge of infant and toddler development, safety issues in infant and toddler child care settings (i.e., reducing the risk of SIDS).
Must complete California-mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training as well as Pesticide Safety Training (per Healthy Schools Act) prior to beginning work.
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications (e.g.
Outlook, Excel, Skype).
Ability to properly interpret and implement regulations of the California Department of Education, Funding Terms and Conditions (Title 5), Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (Title 22), Head Start Performance Standards, and of Easterseals policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups.
Must relate well to children and their families and maintain a positive affect.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, plan, establish and meet timelines.
Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
Ability to provide any/all current immunizations as required by the State of California for child development centers and staff.
Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
Must have sex offender index clearance.
Carrying/Lifting: Occasional/ 0-30 lbs.
Candidates must possess a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit and at least a high school diploma, with an associate degree preferred. The role requires experience in a preschool or infant/toddler setting and current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and food handling.
Market context
In California, preschool teacher roles are commonly sought by early learning programs serving working families, and employers often look for candidates with the required ECE units plus strong communication and child-centered experience. These positions can be competitive because schedules, classroom support, and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and holiday pay vary by site. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page against the original posting, then confirm your ECE units and prepare examples of your work with young children before applying.
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