Preschool Teacher

SPHDS; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking an Early Childhood Teacher to join our collaborative team. You will nurture development through inquiry-based learning, foster relationships, and create welcoming, inclusive classrooms.

The ideal candidate has 12+ ECE units and a bachelor’s in ECE/Child Development, plus experience with 2–5 year olds in licensed settings. Familiarity with play-based methods and family partnerships is valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education / Child Development (including core courses).
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• At least 6 months classroom experience with children ages 2–5 in a licensed center or comparable setting.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification and California Mandated Reporter training (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Knowledge of open-ended, emergent, and play-based learning; Conscious Discipline is a plus.
• Knowledge of Jewish values and traditions; Hebrew language fluency is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and document a developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based curriculum responsive to children’s interests and needs.
• Create indoor and outdoor learning environments that spark curiosity and creative expression.
• Engage actively with children during play and document growth to inform curriculum planning.
• Share learning stories with families and maintain strong family partnerships.
• Incorporate Jewish holidays and cultural elements and support Hebrew language learning in an open-ended setting.
• Collaborate with co-teachers and the Early Childhood Director to enhance classroom practice and school initiatives.
• Maintain classroom records and ensure adherence to licensing, health, safety, and confidentiality policies.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Reliability

Collaborative spirit

Organization

Reflective teaching

Education

ECE units +12

Bachelor’s degree in ECE/Child Development

Job description

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, located in Sunnyvale, is an established institution with over forty years of history serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Our school is bilingual, bicultural, and welcoming to families from diverse ethnic backgrounds, countries of origin, languages spoken, and walks of life. Bridging this diversity is a central part of our mission.

Our early childhood program is rooted in a Jewish, open-ended, play-based philosophy that honors children's innate curiosity, builds community, and fosters a joyful love of learning.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated, creative, and nurturing Early Childhood Teacher to join our collaborative teaching team. In this role, you will co-create an engaging, inquiry-based learning environment where young children explore, discover, and build meaningful relationships within a supportive classroom community.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and document a dynamic, developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based, and emergent curriculum responsive to children’s interests, questions, and developmental needs.
• Create intentional indoor and outdoor learning environments that spark curiosity, exploration, and creative expression through open-ended materials.
• Actively engage with children at their level during play rather than supervising from a distance.
• Observe and systematically document children’s growth and developmental milestones to inform curriculum planning and share learning stories with families.
• Joyfully incorporate Jewish holidays, traditions, and cultural elements, fostering an appreciation for Jewish culture and the Hebrew language within an open-ended setting.

Classroom Culture & Positive Guidance

• Build warm, trusting relationships with each child, nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and anti-bias classroom community.
• Support children’s social-emotional development using empathetic, positive guidance strategies to foster self-regulation, empathy, and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Guide children in forming peer friendships, practicing problem-solving, and developing prosocial behavior.

Family Partnership & Community

• Establish strong, respectful partnerships with families through daily authentic communication, regular documentation, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Collaborate transparently with families, specialists, and school leadership to support each child’s individualized learning and developmental journey.

Team Collaboration & School Operations

• Work cooperatively with co-teachers and the Early Childhood Director to enhance classroom practice, curriculum design, and school-wide initiatives.
• Actively participate in faculty meetings, reflective practice, professional development workshops, and school community events.
• Maintain required classroom records and ensure strict adherence to California Community Care Licensing standards, health, safety, and confidentiality policies.
• Share daily housekeeping duties, classroom setup/cleanup, and assist with aftercare or other school needs as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• ECE Units: Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education / Child Development (including core courses).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 6 months of classroom experience working with children ages 2–5 in a licensed child care center or comparable group setting.
• Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid certification and California Mandated Reporter training (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Philosophical Alignment: Knowledge of open-ended, emergent, and play-based learning frameworks. Familiarity with Conscious Discipline is a plus.
• Cultural Connection: Knowledge of Jewish values and traditions—or a genuine enthusiasm and willingness to learn and participate. Hebrew language fluency is a plus, but not required.
• Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, reliability, collaborative spirit, organization, and a reflective approach to teaching.
• Clearances: Ability to obtain LiveScan criminal background clearance, a current TB clearance, and required health screenings.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and hold up to 50 pounds.
• Capacity to work comfortably indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to frequently squat, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, and move quickly to respond safely to young children.
• Stamina to actively participate in neighborhood walks and outdoor excursions.