Preschool Teacher I

Cal Lutheran; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

California Lutheran University seeks a full-time preschool teacher to plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program in line with school philosophy. The role includes supporting children’s growth, guiding activities, and maintaining a safe learning space.

Minimum qualifications include 12+ units in Early Childhood Education and one year of field experience. CA driver’s license and fingerprint clearance are preferred; open until filled.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Train and provide work direction to student assistants/interns/mentees as assigned.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate educational program in accordance with school policies.
• Assist children with goals, self-confidence and independence; encourage interaction and problem solving.
• Observe and evaluate children; communicate with the Director and other teachers.
• Prepare meals and snacks; supervise play and classroom safety.
• Attend staff meetings; evaluate progress and discuss curriculum.
• Communicate with parents; conduct home visits and conferences as needed.
• Maintain classroom environment and learn materials; ensure a clean, healthy setting.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

12 units in Early Childhood Education

Job description

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Director of Preschool, plan and implement a developmentally appropriate educational program in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the school.

Representative Duties

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate educational program in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the school; create, maintain and organize age-appropriate learning materials; modify the program as needed for children with special interests, handicaps, special talents and individual style and pace for learning. E
• Assist children with obtaining goals, gaining self-confidence and learning to be independent; encourage children to share experiences, to interact with other children and to find solutions to resolve problems. E
• Observe and evaluate children to provide for their individual and group needs; communicate with the Director regarding children; communicate daily with other teachers to maintain consistency for children. E
• Observe and facilitate children’s development and growth by meeting the changing needs of each child; assist children at nap time, feeding time, diapering, toileting, and related needs as necessary; prepare and provide meals and snacks. E
• Supervise/Instruct/Observe children on the playground and in the classroom; oversee children’s activities and assure proper care and safety of children. E
• Attend and participate in staff meetings; evaluate program progress, goals and objectives; discuss issues and progress of children, curriculum and related matters. E
• Communicate with parents orally and in writing; make home visits if assigned; conduct parent/teacher conferences; participate in other parent-related activities as requested. E
• Prepare information for parents regarding students and the schools philosophy and practices. E
• Provide for the ordered arrangement, appearance, and décor and learning environment of the classroom; assist in maintaining equipment, supplies and materials; ensure a clean, healthy environment according to established procedures. E
• Participate in professional growth activities including attendance at workshops, training sessions, conferences and courses, and reading journals and other materials. E
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. E
• Adhere to the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Professional Ethics. E
• Perform related duties as assigned. E

Knowledge Of

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Child growth and development
• Instructional/Intentional teaching methods and techniques as well as classroom procedures for children under six years of age.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities
• Health and safety regulations
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability To

• Train and provide work direction to student assistants/interns/mentees as assigned.
• Serve as a mentor teacher to new teachers when hired.
• Perform additional/related duties as assigned.
• Participate in professional growth activities.
• Assist in maintaining the physical environment of the school, indoors and outdoors.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Correct use of English language, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: 12 units or more in Early Childhood Education and one year of experience in the field

Preferred Qualifications

Obtained or willing to obtain Child Development Permit and Outdoor Classroom Specialist

Licenses and other requirements

CA Drivers license or ID

Obtained or able to obtain Fingerprint clearance through CA State Licensing

Physical Abilities

Seeing to monitor classroom activities and student behavior; hearing and speaking to exchange information; walking; bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students; pushing or pulling play equipment; lifting moderately heavy children and play equipment; repetitive large motor and fine motor movements and lifting/carrying/holding children.

Indoors and outdoors, including office, classroom, bathrooms, diaper changing areas and outdoor classrooms

Hiring Range

Hiring Range 21.76

Posting Number

Posting Number Staff005702022

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 12/01/2026

Position End Date

Open Date

Open Date 10/16/2026

Close Date

Close Date 11/16/2026

Open Until Filled No

Application Procedure/Special Instructions

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University’s policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts 1

Optional Documents

• Teaching Philosophy
• Unofficial Transcripts 2

Human Resources
California Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Rd. #1100
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Office [phone]
Fax [phone]

California Lutheran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer