Lead Teacher

TRF Children & Family Services; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Vacation leave

Sick leave

401K

Professional development

Job summary

TRF Children & Family Services in California is seeking a Lead Teacher who can teach daily while taking on on-site leadership responsibilities when the Site Director is unavailable. This role grows future program leaders from within and offers a path toward advancement within TRF.

You will mentor staff, maintain records, ensure licensing compliance, and support a thriving classroom. A strong focus on collaboration and professional development guides daily practice.

Qualifications

• AA/AS in Early Childhood Education with 24 ECE units and a Site Supervisor Permit from CCTC.
• Two years of experience with children.
• Strong oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support teaching staff by modeling best practices in early childhood instruction.
• Maintain records accurately and on time; ensure licensing compliance.
• Lead in the absence of the Site Director; review timesheets and site reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Education

AA/AS in Early Childhood Education with 24 ECE units

Site Supervisor Permit (CCTC)

BA in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Job description

Description

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.

TRAINING AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION | SERVING FAMILIES ACROSS ORANGE, AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES

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.
• Criminal Record Clearance (DOJ/FBI/CACI)

Compensation: $28-$29 per hour