Preschool Teacher and Aide (Hillside & Pre-K - Year-Round)

Job Description

Job Description

The City of Piedmont is looking for amazing staff that can bring the highest quality of spirit, commitment and caring to our community. We are currently hiring compassionate, nurturing, creative, fun-loving people who are interested in making a positive difference in the lives of children.

As a public recreation program, our preschools operate as License-Exempt programs under California's Community Care licensing regulations, allowing us the flexibility to offer community-based, enrichment-driven early childhood education.

Piedmont Recreation Department (PRD) is hiring for part-time Preschool Aides and Teachers for our PLAY-BASED Preschool Programs, working in a half-day (AM) program (Monday–Thursday), with children 18 months–5 years of age. We are looking for creative, energetic, and fun leaders to join our caring team of teachers.

For a more in-depth look at PRD's preschool programs, please visit the City of Piedmont Preschool Website

This Role Is Ideal for Someone Who Is:

• Passionate about early childhood education: Brings genuine enthusiasm for supporting young children's growth, learning, and well-being.
• Patient and nurturing: Responds calmly to a range of behaviors and developmental needs, creating a safe and supportive environment.
• Creative and play-focused: Enjoys planning and facilitating engaging, age-appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
• Dedicated to child development: Committed to helping each child build social, emotional, and early academic skills.
• Reliable and responsible: Consistently follows through on responsibilities and maintains a structured, dependable presence for children.
• Collaborative and family-oriented: Communicates effectively with team members and families, and values strong relationships within the classroom community.
• Flexible and adaptable: Comfortable adjusting to the dynamic nature of a preschool setting and responding to children's evolving needs throughout the day.

Preschool Programs:

Hillside Playschool (ages 3.8-4.5) | Pre-K (ages 4-5)

Program Dates/Times

• School Year: Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–1:00 pm (August–May)
• Summer Session (Preschool Explorers): Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–12:00pm (June–July)

Shift Times

• School Year: Monday–Thursday, 8:30am–1:30 pm (August–May)
• Summer Session: Monday–Thursday, 8:30am–12:30pm (June–July)

Position Responsibilities

This position supports the daily operations of a preschool classroom and requires an individual who can:

• Assist the Program Director/Lead Teacher with small-group and whole-group learning play-based activities
• Help implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and monthly lesson plans (Preschool Teachers)
• Set up and maintain engaging classroom environments that promote exploration, creativity, and learning
• Prepare materials and assist with the setup and cleanup of activities, centers, and projects
• Support children's social-emotional development , encouraging positive behavior and peer interactions
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment
• Follow and enforce all health, safety, and licensing guidelines
• Collaborate effectively with staff in a team-teaching environment
• Perform general supervision duties, including active monitoring of children during indoor and outdoor play
• Be able to lift up to 35 lbs. as part of daily classroom activities

Programming Schedule

Piedmont Recreation Department preschool programs follow the Piedmont Unified School District calendar and are closed on major holidays, including:

• One week in November
• 9 days during Winter Break (December/January)
• 2 days in February
• One week during Spring Break

Additional shift opportunities may be available during school breaks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older

One of the following is required:

• Completion of 6+ units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (preferred)
• 2–4 years of college coursework , with a focus in education, child development, or a related field (preferred)
• 3–5 years of experience in a preschool or childcare setting (infant/toddler experience preferred)
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications

(May be obtained through your primary care provider or PRD upon hire)

• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Mandated Reporter Certification (online training provided by the City of Piedmont)
• TB Clearance (valid within the last 2 years)

Hours per week: 20-22 hours

Compensation: $18.50 - $30.00 per hour

Recreation Leader II / Preschool Aide ($18.50–$22.50) – High School Graduate or GED, 2 years of experience working in a childcare, preschool, or recreation program; completion of course work in education, child development, or in a related field is preferred for childcare positions.

Recreation Leader III / Preschool Teacher ($22–$30) - Equivalent to the completion of 2 years of college (desired), and 3 years of experience working in a childcare. preschool, or recreation program (additional experience desired if no college). Completion of coursework in education, child development or in a related field is preferred. Very specialized experience in a play-based preschool program.

Successful candidates must pass a Department of Justice live fingerprint scan, background reference checks, and a Tuberculosis screening prior to the start of employment.