Lead Teacher

Training & Research Foundation

Santa Ana (CA)

On-site

USD 39,000 - 40,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Vacation, Sick Leave

401K

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

Training & Research Foundation in California is seeking a Lead Teacher who will continue teaching while stepping into site leadership when the Site Director is unavailable. You will mentor teachers, ensure safety and licensing compliance, and model best practices in early childhood education.

This role offers a clear path toward program leadership and potential Director opportunities. You will handle timesheets, licensing paperwork, and communication with the administrative office, while

Qualifications

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 24 ECE units and Site Supervisor Permit.
BA in Early Childhood Education with Site Supervisor Permit (preferred).
Minimum two years’ experience working with children.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of curriculum design, training methods, and assessment.

Responsibilities

Guide and support teaching staff by modeling best practices in early childhood instruction.
Stay current on child development research and share insights with the team.
Maintain records and documentation accurately and on time.
Ensure safety, licensing compliance, and site operations are maintained.
Lead in the absence of the Site Director and manage timesheets and reports.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Curriculum design

Training methods

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

AA/AS in ECE

24 ECE units

Site Supervisor Permit (CCTC)

BA in ECE (preferred)

Job description

LEAD TEACHER

A Leadership Opportunity for Educators Who Are Ready to Grow

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Are you a passionate educator who is ready to step into leadership without stepping out of the classroom? The Lead Teacher role at TRF is a unique opportunity to deepen your impact, sharpen your leadership skills, and position yourself for what comes next.

This is more than a title. It is a developmental role designed to grow future program leaders from within. You will continue to teach and inspire children every day, while also taking on site leadership responsibilities when your Site Director is unavailable. Think of it as the best of both worlds: the fulfillment of the classroom with a front-row seat to program operations.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT IF YOU...

Love mentoring fellow teachers

Take ownership when leadership is needed

Want to grow toward a Director role

Are organized, dependable, and solutions-oriented

Thrive in environments where everyday counts

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

Real-world experience in program leadership

Exposure to compliance, operations, and supervision

Visibility with program leadership and administration

A clear pathway toward career advancement within TRF

The confidence of knowing you can lead at any level

WHAT YOU WILL DO

In this role, you will carry the full responsibilities of your Teacher position while also stepping up in the following areas:

IN THE CLASSROOM

Guide and support fellow teaching staff by modeling best practices in early childhood instruction.

Stay current on child development research and bring new learning back to your team.

Maintain required records and documentation accurately and on time.

KEEPING KIDS SAFE AND SITES COMPLIANT

Conduct daily head counts and ensure child-to-staff ratios are maintained at all times.

Uphold all Community Care Licensing (CCL) standards and CDE program expectations across your site.

Complete all required licensing paperwork and support staff in making mandated reports when needed.

WHEN YOU ARE HOLDING DOWN THE FORT

In the absence of your Site Director, you become the site leader.

That means:

Reviewing and approving timesheets, work orders, and purchase orders.

Following up on site visits with Community Care Licensing and ensuring all required reports are submitted.

Communicating site concerns and issues to the administrative office promptly and professionally.

HOW YOU SHOW UP

At TRF, we hold our team to high professional and ethical standards, not because it is a policy requirement, but because the children and families we serve deserve nothing less.

You keep confidences and protect the privacy of children, families, and colleagues.

You show up as your honest, reliable, and dependable self, every day.

You are a true team player, lifting others up and contributing to a positive, collaborative culture.

You take pride in your work and bring intentionality to even the everyday tasks.

You pursue growth by attending required trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Sick Leave, 401K and Professional Development Opportunities.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

An Associates of Arts or Science (AA/AS) degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field and a minimum of 24 ECE units and a Site Supervisor Permit issued from CCTC. BA Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Site Supervisor Teacher or higher permit preferred.

Minimum two years’ experience working with Children

Good oral and written communication skills

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation.

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Able to resolve conflicts, gentle, loving, kind, creative and resourceful. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people. Excellent problem solving, planning, and organizational skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Complete a physical examination (LIC 503), proof of immunization for the following: influenza, Tdap, MMR, and a Current TB test.

Complete Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training (AB1207)

Submission of satisfactory proof of your identity and your legal authorization to work in the United States. If you fail to submit this proof, federal law prohibits us from hiring you.