Infant Teacher

DEFINITION: Under the direct supervision of the Site Supervisor, the Teacher is responsible for implementing a comprehensive curriculum to support the developmental needs of young children in accordance with program standards. The Teacher enforces classroom and school rules, supports classroom routines, and provides active supervision of children at all times. This position ensures compliance with all applicable regulations including:

• California Department of Education (CDE) – CSPP and CCTR programs
• California Department of Social Services – Community Care Licensing (CCL) – Title 22
• Title 5 Education Code and associated Funding Terms and Conditions
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Local, state, and county fire, building, and safety codes

RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of the Teacher include, but are not limited to:

• Provide active supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Provide implementation and planning of curriculum through individualized, age-appropriate activities that support children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
• Provide meal preparation and service in accordance with CACFP guidelines and program standards.
• Provide a clean, safe, and organized classroom and outdoor environment that complies with all health and safety regulations.
• Provide timely submission of monthly lesson plans that reflect developmentally appropriate weekly activities.
• Provide guidance and classroom management aligned with agency-approved behavior policies and procedures.
• Provide monthly emergency drills and ensure students and staff are familiar with all safety protocols and evacuation procedures.
• Provide structured daily routines and engaging activities, such as songs, games, and storytelling, that support developmental learning.
• Provide consistent classroom schedules aligned with best practices and early learning standards.
• Provide meaningful, responsive interactions with children, in alignment with the CLASS observation tool.
• Provide effective and professional communication with children, families, and staff, including daily greetings at drop-off and pick-up.
• Provide ongoing DRDP documentation, including daily anecdotal notes, photographs, and family communications through the Learning Genie platform.
• Provide timely and accurate completion of DRDPs, ERS assessments, and ASQs in accordance with agency and state deadlines.
• Provide support in the implementation of IEPs, IFSPs, and behavior support plans to meet the needs of all learners.
• Provide at least two Parent-Teacher Conferences per program year and assist with orientations and continued family engagement efforts.
• Provide complete and accurate maintenance of daily, weekly, and monthly records for program reporting.
• Provide communication to the Site Supervisor regarding any identified concerns, challenges, or student needs.
• Provide flexibility in carrying out additional responsibilities as assigned to meet program needs and ensure regulatory compliance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education:
  • Hold a valid Associate Teacher Permit or higher.
  • Completed a minimum of 12 core units in ECE/CD from an accredited institution.
  • Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Infant Program (if applicable):
  • Completion of at least 6 ECE/CD units in Infant/Toddler Development.
• Experience:
  • Prior experience teaching or working with children in an early childhood setting.
• Personal Qualities:
  • Friendly, adaptable, and open to feedback.
  • Enjoy learning and contribute to a collaborative, positive environment.
• Health & Safety Clearances:
  • TB Clearance (within the last 4 years)
  • Physical Exam (required upon hire)
  • Immunizations:
    • Tdap (every 10 years)
    • MMR
    • Annual flu shot (or valid medical declination)
  • Certifications & Training:
    • CPR and First Aid (renewed every 2 years)
    • Mandated Reporter Training (AB 1207, every 2 years)
    • Fingerprint clearance through DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Index

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in a classroom environment with children ages 0–5.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and move frequently throughout the day.
• Ability to supervise children in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to accidents or emergency drills.

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: Employment is contingent upon continued funding from the California Department of Education (CDE) under Title 5. Teachers may be employed for up to 250 working days per program year, based on the approved program calendar and funding availability.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Compensation is based on the adopted salary schedule approved by the Board of Directors, under the designated “Teacher” pay range. The specific rate of pay will be reflected on the employee’s Status Form, issued by Human Resources. In accordance with agency Personnel Policies and funding availability, eligible Teachers (employee only) will be offered Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance after 90 days of employment, with premiums paid by Desert Preschool Academy. In cases of termination or voluntary resignation, employees may be eligible for continuation of benefits as outlined in COBRA regulations.