Preschool Director-Teacher

Diocese of Orange; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pax Christi Academies, part of the Diocese of Orange, seeks a combined Preschool Director and Teacher to oversee daily operations and provide direct classroom instruction. This hybrid role blends administrative oversight, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance with teaching responsibilities in a preschool setting.

Responsibilities include planning developmentally appropriate lesson plans, fostering holistic development, supervising aides and support staff, and ensuring licensing and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development, or CA State Site Supervisor/Director Certification.
• Two years of teaching experience in early childhood with some supervision/leadership.
• Current pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, TB test, immunizations, background/fingerprint clearance.

Responsibilities

• Teach and provide classroom instruction with developmentally appropriate activities.
• Oversee daily center operations, safety, and scheduling; supervise staff.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing rules and health/safety standards.
• Communicate with families and maintain attendance/health records.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Child Development / CA State Site Supervisor or Director Certification

Job description

Pax Christi Academies is a community of five vibrant Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Orange, united in our mission to educate students in Faith, Intellect, Character, and Citizenship. Our schools provide Christ-centered, academically excellent learning environments that nurture the whole child.

We are looking for a combined Preschool Director and Teacher who will manage the daily operations of our Preschool while also providing direct classroom instruction and student supervision. This hybrid role blends administrative oversight, staff management, and regulatory compliance with direct teaching responsibilities in a preschool classroom.

Essential Functions : Because all Pax Christi Academies employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their work.

Responsibilities:

Teaching and Classroom Instruction

• Plan curriculum: Design and implement developmentally appropriate daily lesson plans and learning activities.
• Support growth: Foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through play-based instruction.
• Assess students: Conduct ongoing developmental observations and formal student assessments throughout the school year.
• Basic needs: Ensure a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment that addresses the health and comfort of every child.

Site Supervision and Administration

• Manage operations: Oversee daily center routines, facility safety, and routine scheduling.
• Supervise staff: Train, mentor, direct, and evaluate assistant teachers, aides, and support staff.
• Ensure compliance: Maintain adherence to state licensing rules (such as Title 22 and Title 5 regulations) and local health and safety standards.
• Family communication: Facilitate family enrollments, host parent meetings, and communicate student progress.
• Record keeping: Maintain accurate student attendance, health records, and required state program documentation.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or a CA State Site Supervisor or Director Certification.
• Experience: Two years of prior teaching experience in an early childhood setting, including some adult supervision or leadership experience.
• Certifications: Current pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, plus a clear tuberculosis (TB) test, immunizations, and background/fingerprint clearance.

Work Conditions

• Work primarily in a classroom and school campus setting, requiring frequent use of standard educational technology, and office equipment such as computers, telephones, projectors and printers.
• Regular interaction with students, staff, faculty, and visitors in a professional and faith-based environment.
• Follow a structured school schedule but often work additional hours to meet before or after school responsibilities for preparation, grading assignments, assigned tasks, attending school activities or events.
• Occasional local travel may be required for training, meetings, retreats, or field trips.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time with frequent walking and movement around the classroom, campus or office facilities to support programs and operational needs.
• Speak clearly and project your voice to communicate with the classroom as a group, individual students, parents, colleagues, and fellow staff members.
• Manual dexterity required for operating office equipment, preparing materials, and managing paperwork.
• Visual and auditory ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and visitors in person, via email, and by phone. Maintain visual and auditory awareness to monitor student activities, read materials, and respond to classroom situations.
• Must be able to set up and dismantle equipment required for meetings, programs, or campus activities as needed.
• Bend, reach, or kneel when assisting students or handling classroom materials.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, such as materials, supplies, and event equipment.

Compensation:

• $25 - $35 per hour, based on experience and qualifications