Lead Teacher - Preschool

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!


Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus-one of the largest in the CSU system-serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.


As a member of the CSULB community, you'll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.


Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It's an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.


Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California's future-offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.

Job Summary


Under the general direction of the Director of the Child and Family Center (CFC), the Lead Teacher is responsible for the educational program for the preschool programs in the Child and Family Center, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees the preschool classrooms serving children ages 2 years to 5 years.
• Responsible for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of the educational curriculum and supports both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Mentors and oversees Instructional Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Student Teachers, and Practicum Students daily
• Coordinates with the Director in designing the classroom environment to meet Licensing and NAEYC Accreditation standards.
• Communicates and collaborates with parents on a daily basis.

Department


Family and Consumer Science

Time Base


1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment


This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Classification


Early Childhood Teacher

Compensation


Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

• Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $3,920 - $5,000 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $3,920 - $5,881 per month.

Benefits


At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.


To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities


The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong supervisory and mentoring abilities by guiding, training, and supporting Instructional Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Student Teachers, and Practicum Students. This individual will lead the orientation and ongoing development of classroom personnel, facilitate team meetings, provide instructional support, and coach staff in the implementation of evidence-based language and literacy practices. They will offer constructive feedback on classroom practices and fieldwork projects, create hands-on learning opportunities to strengthen instructional skills, delegate responsibilities to support classroom goals, and model inclusive practices that foster a sense of belonging for all members of the classroom community. Additionally, the candidate will ensure compliance with Title 22 regulations and all Center policies and procedures related to health and safety.


Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience


• Consistent with the state Child Development Permit Matrix, incumbents who possess an AA degree or higher must have completed the required units of supervised field experience. Incumbents without a degree must meet the specified days of experience within the last four years. This is roughly 6 - 12 months of experience.


• Equivalent to two years of experience performing support services for an instructional program and involving such activities as preparing, producing, dispensing, or storing materials, supplies, and equipment required for children ages 2 years - 5 years old.


• Bachelor's Degree in Child Development/Family Studies or related field; Master's degree preferred


• Preschool college course work units. Infant/Toddler course work units preferred.


• Minimum three years supervisory experience in a child care setting.


• Teaching experience in an NAEYC Accredited program preferred.


• Knowledge of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Environmental Rating Scales (ERS), Ages and Stages, and Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP).


• A background check (including a criminal records check) and LiveScan check must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with CSU.


• Knowledge/experience of planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum for children ages 2 years - 5 years.


• Current involvement in professional organizations related to young children and their families.

Licenses / Certificates


• Possess or qualify for a Child Development Permit- Site Supervisor Level or higher from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Permit must be in place before start date and must be maintained as a condition of employment.


• Current CPR/First Aid Certification and California Child Care: Preventative Health and Safety Certificate. Certificate must be in place before start date and must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Application Procedures


Click "Apply Now" to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.


Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Physical Summary


Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.

Additional Information


CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).


A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.


Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.


The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Statement


Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.


California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Accommodations


We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact View email address on click.appcast.io .

Out of State Employment Policy


California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.


As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Advertised: Jul 15 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Jul 29 2026 Pacific Daylight Time