Developmental Specialist

Developmental Specialist

Learning Links Preschool, of AbilityPath, is hiring for Developmental Specialist. Make growth your mission — join the Learning Links teaching team! Together we grow. Are you an energetic, creative educator who loves sparking curiosity and supporting every child's journey? At Learning Links, you'll join a team that values your ideas, celebrates your strengths, and partners with you to help children and families thrive.

Compensation: $28-$33/hour (based on education and experience)

Schedule: Full-time Monday – Friday, 8 work hours per day between 8am – 6pm

Opportunities: We have roles open at our Palo Alto, Mountain View and Burlingame Preschools!

We are looking for Developmental Specialist who:

• Guide children through play-based learning that builds confidence, empathy, and lifelong skills
• Create warm, organized classrooms where every child is seen, heard, and encouraged to grow
• Collaborate with passionate colleagues and supportive leaders
• Build strong partnerships with families, sharing goals and celebrating every milestone

What We Offer – Employee Benefits:

• 4 weeks of PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits upon hire
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Performance bonuses
• Educational reimbursement for ongoing professional development
• Preschool tuition discount

What Makes Learning Links Special:

• Low teacher-to-child ratios for meaningful connections
• Research-backed curriculum and hands-on activities
• Daily communication and teamwork with families
• A culture of inclusion, innovation, flexibility, and genuine care
• Opportunities for professional growth and recognition

Learning Links is part of AbilityPath, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people of all abilities. Our promise: to walk beside families and educators, offering expert, personalized support in a truly welcoming environment. Ready to grow your career and make a difference every day?

What We Value:

• Engage and Inspire: Guide children through fun and educational activities, helping to spark their curiosity and creativity.
• Classroom Environment: Create a warm, organized, and engaging classroom atmosphere that stimulates learning and social-emotional well-being.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Interest and commitment to working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Foster a Safe and Welcoming Space: Ensure the health and safety of all children, including allergy awareness and adherence to licensing standards.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with teaching team to develop child-centered and play-based curriculum, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of our students.
• Care with Compassion: Attend to each child's individual needs, including personal care tasks and promoting self-help skills to foster independence and confidence.
• Communication: Serve as a key point of contact and for parents, effectively communicating school policies and responding to questions about daily care.
• Document Progress: Assist with DRDP reports and documentation, ensuring we track and celebrate each child's growth and development towards kindergarten readiness.
• Adapt and Grow: Be ready to take on other responsibilities as needed, contributing to a dynamic and supportive team environment.

Education and Work Experience:

Below is a list of education and work experience qualifications. We encourage you to apply even if you may not meet all the listed qualifications and you are interested in becoming a Preschool Teacher.

• 12+ core ECE units as per Title 22 requirements preferred but not required- we will help you get your ECE units!
• Experience teaching children ages 2-5 years old
• Associate or bachelor's degree, or working towards completion

Learning Links is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse staff; we strongly encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and marginalized candidates to apply!

Hiring Requirements:

• Valid California Driver's License/ID
• Proof of negative TB test results
• Verification of occupational physical clearance
• Pass a criminal fingerprint clearance
• 18 years of age or job permit clearance

Physical Activity:

Preschool Teacher responsibilities include the physical support of children:

• Lift up to 25 lbs. as needed
• Sit, stand, and bend frequently to engage children

We encourage applicants to share their access needs during the interview process, upon hire, and ongoing throughout their employment. AbilityPath is committed to making our organization accessible to meet the needs of our team members.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Learning Links is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Our policy prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry (including language-use restrictions and possession of a driver's license), citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, or other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. AbilityPath will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination against, harassment of, or disrespectful or unprofessional conduct toward an employee based upon any of the protected characteristics listed above or based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful. #LPAP