Associate Teacher (Full-Time)

Piper Preschool; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Piper Preschool in Irvine is seeking an associate teacher who is passionate about early education and dedicated to growing with the field. The role requires meeting ECE units, a possible BA, and experience in a preschool setting, with strong emphasis on organization, communication, and family engagement.

You will support the lead teacher, maintain a positive classroom environment, and participate in staff initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate teachers must have a minimum of 12 units in Early Childhood Education.
• A B.A. degree or higher in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is preferred.
• Associate Teachers must have experience working in a preschool setting and an understanding of emergent curriculum.
• Strong skills in organization, professionalism, reading, time management, planning, oral and written communication, interpersonal relationships, family/child relations, and basic computer use.
• Teachers must be fluent in English.
• Associate Teachers encourage family involvement and support the development of positive relationships among children, families, and staff within the Piper Preschool community.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in creating a well-organized classroom.
• Participate in direct interaction with children and support professional development activities and community events.
• Communicate with the team on a daily basis.
• Report to Lead and Administration as directed by school policy.

Skills

Organization

Time management

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal relationships

Family/child relations

Reading comprehension

Basic computer use

Professionalism

English fluency

Education

12 units in Early Childhood Education

B.A. in Child Development / ECE / related field

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time.

Schedule: Monday through Friday.

Operating Hours: 8 am - 5:30 pm.

Looking for an associate teacher for a progressive preschool in the Irvine area. We are only interested in candidates who have a passion for the field and meet all the requirements listed. We're looking for people who have chosen early education as their career, not just a job. You must love children; that's a given. But you also must love life. We want to know your professional goals and help create the path that will allow you to achieve them and grow beyond them. And even more so, we want to know your personal goals. Ultimately, a happy you makes for a happy kid, a happy parent, a happy place.

Still with us? Move on to step two. Read about the position.

Qualifications

• Associate teachers must have a minimum of 12 units in Early Childhood Education. A B.A. degree or higher in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is preferred.
• Associate Teachers must have experience working in a preschool setting and an understanding of emergent curriculum.
• They must possess strong skills in: organization, professionalism, reading, time management, planning, oral and written communication, interpersonal relationships, family/child relations, and basic computer use.
• Teachers must be fluent in English.
• Associate Teachers encourage family involvement and support the development of positive relationships among children, families, and staff within the Piper Preschool community.

Responsibilities

• Associate Teachers consistently participate in direct interaction with children, serve as faculty for professional development activities and community-based events, and are responsible for the duties listed below, as well as any others assigned by members of Administration.
• Associate teachers are responsible for assisting the lead teacher in creating a well-organized classroom.
• They are expected to communicate with their team on a daily basis.
• Associate Teachers report to their Lead as well as members of Administration, as directed by school policy.

General Expectations

• Lead by example and maintain a positive and professional attitude.
• Reflect on the Four Agreements for guidance in daily interactions.
• Mentor and support new faculty in the classroom, modeling Piper Preschool culture and expectations.
• Adhere to assigned work hours as outlined in the employment contract.
• Maintain a sanitary environment by routinely sanitizing toys, furniture, and materials.
• Change diapers and clothing as needed, following proper hygiene and safety procedures.
• Properly dispose of soiled diapers and label/store soiled clothing appropriately.
• Support potty-training based on the developmental needs of each child and plan.
• Share daily documentation regarding diapering and sleep schedules with families through the Playground app.
• Check emails daily and respond in a timely manner.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in all daily classroom duties and routines.
• Assume Lead Teacher responsibilities when the Lead is absent.
• For consistency, respect the Lead Teacher as the primary voice in parent communication. Always consult the Lead and team before discussing a child with parents.
• Inform the Lead of all injuries, incidents, concerns, or developmental observations.
• Alert the Lead when supplies are low or materials need repair.
• Teach or assist in Enrichment classes as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Frequently crouch, crawl, stoop, or bend.
• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Sit on the floor or low seating for extended periods of time.
• Work comfortably in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Frequently lift up to 35 pounds.
• Change diapers and assist with toileting routines.
• React quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Professional demeanor and reliability.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to foster positive family-child relationships.
• Reading comprehension and attention to detail.
• Comfortable using technology.

About Piper Preschool

We are Piper. We grow with families. We create community. We love what we do, and put our heart and soul into every detail.