Teacher

Job Description

Brightstart Learning Academy is seeking a full-time Lead Teacher for our toddler classroom.

About Brightstart Learning Academy:
You'll be joining a warm, collaborative team of teachers and staff who believe the caregiver-child relationship is the heart of everything we do. Through thoughtfully planned lessons and plenty of creative play, we guide children on fun, meaningful learning adventures. We value open communication, teamwork, and building a true sense of community with our families and each other. This is a full-time position (35+ hours/week) reporting directly to our Academy Director.

Responsibilities:
*Lead your classroom and mentor assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers, including helping train new hires
*Plan and carry out age-appropriate curriculum, lesson plans, and special events, both indoors and during outdoor play
*Build nurturing relationships with each child and support their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth
*Use positive behavior guidance and encourage independence and self-help skills
*Assist with personal care such as diapering, toilet training, handwashing, and dressing
*Keep children safe at all times with consistent headcounts, active supervision, and daily health checks
*Maintain a clean, organized, clutter-free classroom that meets all licensing standards
*Keep accurate records of attendance, milestones, and incidents, and create child portfolios (at least two entries per child per month)
*Communicate regularly with families through our parent app and in person, and partner with them on each child's growth
*Respond calmly to emergencies and report any concerns to the Academy Director

Requirements:
*At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
*Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field (such as early childhood special education), or a degree in another field plus at least 36 semester units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
*At least 3 semester units in infant/toddler care
*At least 6 months of experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group program
*Current CPR, Pediatric First Aid, and California Preventive Health and Safety training
*Able to clear a California background check and Child Abuse Central Index
Current immunizations and TB clearance
*Able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for most of the day, and move actively with children (bending, kneeling, running, climbing play equipment)

Apply if this sounds like you:
*A caring, patient advocate for children with a solid understanding of child development
*Great communication skills with children, families, and coworkers
*Organized, detail-oriented, and good with time management
*Calm, positive, and flexible in a fast-paced environment
*A natural leader who enjoys coaching and encouraging others
*Safety-minded and proactive about spotting and fixing hazards

Not required, but we'd love it if:
*You hold a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
*You have prior lead or classroom leadership experience in a licensed child care setting
*You're comfortable with technology like parent communication apps
*You bring creative ideas for improving the classroom and program
*You're excited about ongoing professional development in early childhood education

Brightstart Learning Academy provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.