North Marin Community Services·Novato, California
The Head Teacher is responsible for leading the classroom, implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, and supervising preschool children. They also manage child assessments, maintain classroom records, and facilitate parent-teacher communication and involvement.
North Marin Community Services (NMCS) is the anchor human service non-profit serving Novato/North Marin for the past 50+ years.
Our mission is to empower youth, adults, and families in our diverse community to achieve well-being, growth, and success; we envision a strong community with opportunities for all.
A trusted community resource, our quality programs are grounded in stability, expertise, and commitment to effectively address the changing needs of our community.
Recognized for our leadership and program excellence, we provide vital resources, educational opportunities, and economic support to individuals and families in our community.
Whether in the form of short-term assistance or long-term intensive partnership, our interconnected services work together to encourage success at home, at school, and in life to over 10,000 people annually.
Join an organization dedicated to providing a supportive and professional working environment.
Located in beautiful Novato/Marin County/CA, our workplace culture is driven by our five values: teamwork and collaboration, equity, excellence, integrity, and learning and continuous improvement.
The full interview process consists of one Zoom screen, a first and second interview, and a skills assessment.
This position will be available to start beginning 11/2/2026.
Generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, Paid sick and vacation time, 15 paid holidays/year, employee assistance program, up to 2% retirement employer match, and childcare discount.
To enjoy working with children and supervising them in an ECE setting; supporting children’s development in a nurturing, kind manner with emphasis on positive behavior guidance. Serve as classroom lead, creating a positive, culturally affirming climate. Head Teacher has overall responsibility of curriculum, classroom routines including primary caregiving, parent-teacher conferences, child observations/assessments, and offers support to other classroom staff. Head Teacher must comply with program and agency-wide policies and procedures.
Essential
Functions: Supervise preschool children from diverse backgrounds and lead creation and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities/curriculum.
Ratio 1:4 with a group size of 12 children. Observe and assess children’s development and conduct annual classroom evaluation utilizing approved tools (DRDP, ASQ, CLASS and ERS); integrate results into classroom curriculum and lesson plans. Effectively engage parents in supporting their child’s development; work in partnership with parents and ECE Manager to assess children individually in regard to key developmental areas; serve as lead in parent meetings and conferences; distribute parent educational materials; address issues directly (as appropriate) and seek guidance from ECE Manager or Program Director when necessary. Serve as classroom lead in planning and implementing parent involvement activities Actively participate in bi-weekly ECE team meetings. In partnership with the ECE Assistant Manager, hold bi-weekly classroom team meetings, and attend all staff meetings. Disseminate information from meetings and professional development activities to other teachers, as appropriate. Participate in quality coaching, training and technical assistance through Marin Quality Counts; support classroom teachers in implementing curriculum aligned with classroom teams’ goals. Ensure positive and open communication with team of teachers, other Head Teachers, ECE Manager and Program Director. Responsible for regular child documentation with support from classroom team, including evidence collection for developmental assessments, parent communication and child portfolios, incident reports, and weekly classroom newsletter Manage classroom attendance, meal counts, and child portfolios in Sis Hubbe database Complete ongoing trainings, including ServSafe food handler, Integrated Pest Management, CACFP civil rights training, mandated reporter, and others as assigned Maintain aesthetically pleasing, safe, and hygienic classroom environment Responsible for ensuring professionalism, respecting confidentiality, and following agency procedures regarding conflict resolution. Works well with others as part of a team. Work closely with ECE Manager and Program Director to foster a positive, culturally affirming climate in the classroom and obtain guidance, as needed. Follow procedures listed in the Employee Handbook and other NMCS and program manuals. Complete 21 hours of professional development and/or academic coursework annually to maintain CA Child Development permit. Direct employee relations to ECE Manager and Program Director and support as requested. Work closely with other teachers to facilitate child transitions; implement a clear plan to ensure their readiness. Maintain current Child Development Permit (see minimum qualifications below), CPR and First Aid Certification. Be a strong ambassador for the agency including knowing and adhering to the agency’s mission, values and programs; referring program participants; and engaging volunteers and donors when possible. Complete any related tasks assigned by Program Director, ECE Manager, School Age Assistant Manager, or members of Leadership Team. Supervise and interact with children, requiring full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities including lifting children weighing up to 35 pounds unassisted.
Required Qualifications: English fluency Teacher Permit or higher, OR 24 ECE units +16 GE units AA in ECE/related field with 3 units supervised field experience BA in any field + 12 units ECE including core courses CPR/First Aid certification
Bilingual (Spanish) Master Teacher Permit or higher Familiarity with Title 22 licensing Prior training in CA Teaching Pyramid (willing to send to training)
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless granted a medical or religious exemption. Pre-employment health exam including proof of vaccinations and TB test clearance. Criminal record clearance or exemption from California Department of Social Services. All convictions other than minor traffic violations require an exemption, including convictions that have been expunged. North Marin Community Services welcomes and encourages all qualified candidates to apply – especially as we recognize that people bring experience and skills beyond just the technical requirements of a job. We also know that self-doubt can sometimes get in the way of stretching professionally, so if your experience is close to what you see listed here, please consider applying. We value our differences and respect everyone – regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetics, AIDS/HIV, medical condition, political affiliation, disability, age, status as a victim of domestic violence/assault/stalking, or military/veteran status. If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please contact hr@northmarincs.org or 415-892-1643 ext. 255.
Candidates must hold a valid Teacher Permit or higher, or meet specific ECE unit requirements, and possess current CPR/First Aid certification. The role requires English fluency and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting children up to 35 pounds.
Market context
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.