Early Childhood Teacher (Ages 2.5 - 5)

ARK ACADEMY; California; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ARK Academy in California is seeking talented, caring teachers for the 2026-2027 academy year. You will lead a warm, structured classroom, foster character development, and support holistic growth of every student.

Part-time candidates are welcome. You will plan engaging lessons, promote early literacy and numeracy, model Islamic values, and collaborate with families to address academic and social-emotional needs in a diverse school community.

Qualifications

• Twelve semester units in Child Development including Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, and Curriculum.
• AA/BA in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents in pursuit of shared goals.
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and respect in working with children and adults.
• Knowledge of Islamic beliefs, practices, values, and history.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, nurturing, and structured classroom environment that promotes exploration and joyful learning through purposeful play.
• Establish clear routines and developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations, guiding children with patience and consistency in alignment with school policies.
• Foster a character-centered classroom culture by modeling compassion, humility, integrity, and courage in daily interactions.
• Support children in developing foundational social-emotional skills, including cooperation, self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Collaboration

Compassion & empathy

Feedback-oriented

Inclusive classroom

Islamic knowledge

Education

Twelve semester units in Child Development

AA/BA in Early Childhood Education preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

ARK Academy is seeking talented, caring, and passionate teachers to join our team for the 2026-2027 academy year. Teachers are responsible for maintaining a high-quality classroom, fostering strong character development, and supporting the holistic growth of every student.

We consider part-time candidates as well.

Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Create a warm, nurturing, and structured classroom environment that promotes exploration, independence, and joyful learning through purposeful play.
• Establish clear routines and developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations, guiding children with patience and consistency in alignment with school policies.
• Foster a character-centered classroom culture by modeling compassion, humility, integrity, and courage in daily interactions.
• Support children in developing foundational social-emotional skills, including cooperation, self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Instruction

• Plan and implement engaging, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Reinforce a culture of academic readiness by promoting curiosity, language development, early literacy and numeracy skills, and problem-solving.
• Integrate Islamic values, character development, and age-appropriate understanding of Islam throughout daily routines, lessons, and interactions.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies—including storytelling, sensory exploration, art, movement, outdoor learning, and guided play to support whole-child development.

Student Support & Partnership

• Foster self-confidence, intrinsic motivation, and a love of learning by providing attentive supervision, encouragement, positive reinforcement, and meaningful responsibilities.
• Observe and assess each child’s developmental progress, learning styles, and interests, and respond with individualized support and enrichment.
• Maintain regular, respectful communication with parents/guardians regarding student development, classroom experiences, and school initiatives.
• Partner with families and collaborate with colleagues to address academic, developmental, health, or social-emotional concerns.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend virtual and in-person professional development to maintain current in early childhood education best practices and child development research.
• Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and collaborative planning as required.
• Uphold and reflect the mission, philosophy, and core values of ARK Academy in all professional interactions.

Qualifications

• Twelve semester units in Child Development, including the core courses of Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, and Curriculum.
• AA/BA in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents in pursuit of shared goals.
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and respect in working with children and adults.
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
• Commitment to fostering respect for all individuals and creating an inclusive classroom environment that values and honors every student.
• Knowledge of Islamic beliefs, practices, values, and history.

Regulatory Requirements

• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Health screening, including proof of Tuberculosis clearance.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.