Preschool Daycare Lead Teacher IMMEDIATE HIRE

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

The Lead Teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities that meet toddler/preschool children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs. This person is responsible for ensuring compliance with all safety, personnel qualifications, and facility requirements of the CA Community Care Licensing, Department of Education, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Department of Social Services and Department of Early Education,. The Lead Teacher works in partnership with the Site Supervisor and others to provide a rich and creative environment which meets the learning needs of all children.

Qualified candidates will be compassionate early childhood educators who love working with children (ages 18 months to 5 years) and are dedicated to the development of the early teaching profession.

Monitor, direct, protect, encourage, and nurture children. Maintain a nurturing environment, which supports the development of each child and ensures a child‑centered approach, e.g., children choose the areas they desire to learn without restriction i.e., closing off a space, restricting a child from an area all day, using timeout to discipline. Ensure staff and other caregivers interact with the children in an appropriate manner.

Observe the children’s health daily and make appropriate decisions regarding attendance by following health and safety procedures for illnesses and communicable diseases. Ensure children are assisted with daily hygiene, e.g., assisting children with hand washing and tooth brushing, assisting children in cleaning their play areas, etc.;

Maintain all areas in an organized manner including all environmental quality aspects as they relate to maintaining quality scores per the Early Childcare Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS), Infant/Toddler Childhood Rating Scale (ITCERS) and/or Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS);

Take reasonable precautions to protect children, equipment, materials, and classrooms both indoors and outdoors. Supervise staff and participate in daily classroom operations. Ensure caregiver/child ratios are maintained. Communicate all issues/concerns to the Site Supervisor immediately.

Develop a high‑quality, age and culturally appropriate curriculum to successfully engage children and foster physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.

Preschool for All, Department of Children, Youth and Families, the California Department of Education Title V regulations, California Department of Social Services, Department of Early Childhood and the Child Care Food program (CACFP).

Model and ensure, Positive Descriptive Acknowledgement (PDA) and Teaching Pyramid Techniques with the children and for the staff.

Assist the Childcare Site Supervisor by preparing documentation and meeting all reporting requirements as needed; including but not limited to child assessments and portfolios, monthly sign‑in/out sheets, Salesforce data requirements, Meal counts etc.

Provide, facilitate, and support resources for staff and other caregivers.

Assist with training and ensure standards and practices are adhered to at all times.

Provide ongoing feedback and assist with goal work and annual performance reviews;

Work with staff to address complaints and resolve problems in accordance with GLIDE’s policies and procedures and in collaboration with the Childcare Site Supervisor, Program Director, and Human Resources

BA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Must have a teacher’s permit (or higher level of certification) from CA Dept. of Education required with continued eligibility for renewal; A minimum of 17‑24 ECE units (12 core, 2 supervising adults’, and 3 Infant/Toddler Care units).

Experience supervising staff and a toddler/preschool program, day care center, or other child development facility.

Experience teaching targeted age groups and possess strong group management skills.

A “leader” with a clear vision that drives for high standards. Excellent interpersonal, organization, and planning abilities. Must have or complete CPR and First Aid Training.

GLIDE maintains an "open door" policy to the community and its clients, who frequently enter and leave the building.

Ability to work on a computer and see details of objects at close range.

Ability to hear within normal range, and communicate effectively (in person, telephone or Zoom).

Finger dexterity and the ability to use all standard office equipment.

Sit or stand comfortably, and the ability to navigate throughout office spaces (via elevator or stairs).

$This is a full‑time (40 hour/week) Non-Exempt position.