Teacher - Project

County of Contra Costa; California; On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Contra Costa is seeking a dedicated Teacher for Head Start and Child Development Programs to support development across multiple domains in a full-day, full-year preschool setting.

You will lead a classroom team, plan developmentally appropriate activities for ages 2.5 to 6, assess children’s needs, and collaborate with families to promote learning and well-being in Contra Costa County.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in early childhood education and family engagement.
• Ability to plan developmentally appropriate activities for preschoolers.
• Commitment to teamwork and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise classroom activities supporting development.
• Assess children’s needs, growth, and development.
• Lead classroom team in implementing developmentally appropriate program.
• Build partnerships with families through regular communication and conferences.
• Model positive behavior and mentor staff.
• Follow applicable regulations and maintain documentation.

Skills

Child engagement

Family engagement

Communication skills

Activity planning

Professional development

Education

Associate degree in ECE

Associate degree in related field with ECE coursework

Bachelor's degree in ECE

Bachelor's degree with ECE coursework

Job description

Bargaining Unit: Local 1 - Family and Children's Services Unit

The Contra Costa County Community Services Bureau is seeking a dedicated and qualified Teacher staff member to join our team. This role is pivotal in supporting the emotional, social, cognitive, creative, physical, and linguistic development of young children enrolled in the Head Start and Child Development Programs. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about early childhood care, education, and fostering meaningful family engagement.

Reporting to the Site Supervisor, the Teacher will lead a dynamic team in a full-day, full-year classroom setting. You will create and sustain a positive and effective learning environment, guiding and collaborating with fellow instructors to design, organize, and deliver a comprehensive range of developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children ages 2.5 to 6 years.

Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families through quality early childhood education and supportive community involvement.

The Employment and Human Services Department is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy for a Teacher-Project.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Loves working with young children and supporting their growth
• Builds strong relationships with children and families
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with families and coworkers
• Likes to plan developmentally age-appropriate activities for children
• Has a strong interest in learning and developing their career

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Plan and supervise classroom activities that support children’s development
• Assess and monitor children’s needs, growth, and development
• Lead the classroom team in planning and implementing the developmental program
• Build strong partnerships with families through regular communication and parent conferences
• Model positive, appropriate behavior for children and classroom staff
• Support and mentor instructional staff to promote a collaborative team approach to meeting children’s needs
• Communicate concerns and incidents to appropriate administrators and agencies as required
• Follow all standards of conduct as required by Federal, State, and County regulations

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Make a difference every day by helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence
• Join a dynamic community services team that supports families and connects them with valuable community resources
• The work you do here can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across Contra Costa County
• Bring your creativity to the classroom through hands-on, engaging learning experiences

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will need to remain flexible and adjust your plans as children’s needs, classroom dynamics, and family circumstances change
• You’ll balance multiple responsibilities, from teaching and documentation to family engagement and classroom routines
• Preschool classrooms can be unpredictable, requiring patience, composure, and positive guidance

License Required:

Possession of a valid California Vehicle Operator License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education:

Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate and possession of 1) an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education; or 2) An Associate degree in related field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; or 3) Baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education; or 4) Baccalaureate degree in any subject and coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education with experience teaching preschool-age children.

Permit Required:

Possession of a Child Development (CD) Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or issuance Contra Costa County Teacher Temporary County Certificate (CCC TCC). Possession of a current CD Teacher Permit or CCC TCC at all times is a condition of employment.

Other Requirements:

As required by law, all appointees to this class must successfully pass a physical examination and fingerprint and tuberculosis clearances.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse children, families, and communities
• Ability to observe, document, and support children's developmental progress
• Experience working as part of a collaborative teaching or multidisciplinary team
• Familiarity with Head Start, early childhood education, or family support services
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children and families
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.