Preschool Teacher

The Child Educational Center is an innovative, nationally-accredited early care and education organization with a pioneering focus on progressive education and outdoor learning.

We are hiring a Lead or Associate Teacher for our Preschool program. The ideal candidate is outgoing individual with a background in early childhood education who enjoy working both in a single classroom and/or supporting multiple classrooms. The current position may include some morning floating hours throughout the program.

Applicants must be innovative and have an understanding of and a desire to work within a play-based philosophy with a strong emphasis on the Outdoor Classroom. They must enjoy being outdoors and can expect to work both indoors and outdoors actively supporting and facilitating children’s play in our dynamic research-based program.

Our Teachers:

• provide an effective and stimulating learning environment that meets the children's individual needs
• engages with warm and attentive responses to children’s enjoyment, affection, interactions and spontaneous activities
• facilitates learning and development in a purposeful educational manner
• encourages the growth of independence, competence, self-expression, exploration, and self-discovery
• values and respects children's individual differences and developmental stages
• open to new ideas and teaching techniques

We are a full day, twelve-month program. All positions are full-time, five days per week, Monday through Friday. Pre-hire: Completion of 12+ units in early childhood education is required.

Competitive benefits and paid time off. Hourly pay rates range, effective August 3, 2026:

• Associate Teacher: $20.83 - $24.87 (12+ ECE units)
• Lead Teacher: $25.10 - $27.81 (24+ ECE units)
• Lead Teacher: $26.41 - $29.26 (ECE and BA), $29.86 - $33.08 (ECE and MA/TC)

We work through a transparent pay scale. The position offered and hourly rate varies depending on years of experience, ECE units completed and (if applicable) degree awarded. Those offered a Lead Teacher position who have completed a bachelor's / master's degree or have a current valid teaching credential are eligible for the higher pay rate tiers. Annual pay rate increases are typically awarded in August of each year.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.83 - $33.08 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you fully vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19?
• Have you completed at least 12 (ECE) Early Childhood Education units at an accredited college and/or university?

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 (Required)

Work Location: In person