Lead Teacher

Options for Learning; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Retirement plan with employer match

Professional growth & college courses

Generous PTO and site shutdown during/

Job summary

Options for Learning is seeking a Lead Teacher in Whittier, CA to support classroom instruction, supervise associate and assistant teachers, and ensure a high-quality preschool program. You will implement curriculum, plan activities, and foster language development while maintaining a safe, nurturing environment.

The role requires an Associate degree in child development or related field, relevant permits, CPR/First Aid, background clearance, and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in child development or related field.
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Responsibilities

• Plan and implement classroom activities based on program curriculum.
• Prepare and implement individual educational plans for each child.
• Supervise and interact with children in a positive manner.
• Maintain learning centers reflecting children's interests and needs.
• Provide varied experiences emphasizing active learning.
• Ensure a well-supervised and safe environment.
• Follow policies and procedures; promote language development and diversity.
• Facilitate monthly site staff meetings.
• Supervise associate and assistant teachers in the classroom.
• Recruit, train and supervise parents and other volunteers.
• Promote full enrollment and assist in recruitment of children.
• Complete paperwork accurately and on time.
• Assist the education supervisor as needed.
• Perform other duties to maintain a quality preschool program.

Education

Associate degree in child development or related field

Child development site supervisor permit OR teacher permit

Three semester units in administration

Current pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid certification

Health screening and TB clearance

Immunization proof (TDap, MMR, whooping cough, influenza)

Live scan background screening

Mandated reporter training

English communication proficiency

California driver's license (preferred)

Job description

Description

About our organization

At Options for Learning, we partner with children, families, educators, and communities to create strong foundations for lifelong success. Since 1981, we have provided quality early learning and school-age programs, family support services, and child care resources designed to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Our work is rooted in relationships and guided by our values of integrity, compassion, respect, curiosity, and nurturing. These values shape how we support families, collaborate with one another, and respond to the changing needs of our communities every day.

Every interaction — whether with a family seeking guidance, a child entering a classroom, or a team member working behind the scenes — is an opportunity to create a positive and meaningful experience grounded in trust, empathy, and service.

Serving communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles, our team is united by a shared commitment to continuous learning, strong partnerships, and helping children and families thrive.

At Options for Learning, employees are more than team members. They are trusted partners in work that makes a meaningful difference for children, families, and the communities we serve.

About this position

Under the direction of the education supervisor, the lead teacher will assist with all aspects of successful classroom instruction and management. This role is responsible for following organization policies, providing supervision for enrolled children, and maintaining a quality program.

What you’ll be doing

• Planning and implementing classroom activities, based on program-specific curriculum;
• Preparing and implementing an individual educational plan for each child;
• Supervising and interacting with children in a positive manner;
• Developing and maintaining learning centers which reflect the interests and needs of the children enrolled in the program;
• Providing a wide variety of experiences for children, with an emphasis on active learning;
• Providing a well-supervised and safe environment;
• Using sensitivity and good judgment when interacting with children, parents and staff;
• Reading, following and implementing all organization and program policies and procedures;
• Encouraging language development and respect for language diversity in classroom and community;
• Facilitating monthly site staff meetings;
• Supervising the associate teacher and assistant teacher in the classroom;
• Accomplishing other duties, as assigned, to create and maintain a quality preschool program;
• Working effectively with other team members;
• Actively participating in the annual in-service training;
• Planning or participating in planning and implementing parents meetings and activities;
• Providing a clean and sanitary facility (inside and out) on a daily basis, according to Options center-based checklist;
• Recruiting, training and supervising parents and other volunteers;
• Promoting full enrollment and participating in recruitment of children as directed;
• Accurately completing all assigned paperwork and documentation, on a timely basis, according to organization policies and procedures;
• Assisting the education supervisor as needed;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

What you bring to the table

• Associate degree in child development or a related field;
• Child development site supervisor permit OR teacher permit, but enrolled in Options for Learning’s site supervisor pathway program;
• Three semester units in administration, with a passing grade of “C” or better;
• Current certification in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid acceptable to Community Care Licensing (Health and Safety Code 1596.866), and to be renewed every 2 years;
• Health screening and TB clearance, to be renewed every 5 years;
• Must present proof of immunization for TDap, MMR, whooping cough, and yearly influenza (waiver may be accepted for influenza);
• Must clear live scan background screening;
• Must complete mandated reporter certification training, to be renewed every 2 years;
• Ability to communicate in written and oral English correctly and effectively;
• A California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and automobile liability insurance (preferred);
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin or Vietnamese (preferred).

What we can offer you

• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 95% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time);
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan;
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement;
• Generous and flexible PTO;
• Organization-wide shutdown from Christmas through New Year’s Day;
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!

Job specifications

• Reports to the education supervisor;
• Non-exempt, full-time, year-round position;
• Full-time, eight-hour workday. Work schedule will vary, depending on site or classroom assignment;
• Limited evening or weekend hours may be required;
• Employment, responsibilities, compensation and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at organization discretion.

Salary

• $33.74 - $38.79 per hour (Candidates should anticipate receiving an offer within the first quartile of the salary range).