Position: Lead Preschool Teacher
Reports To: Director / Site Supervisor
Location: 13801 Inglewood Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250
Hours: Full-Time (Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM shifts as assigned)
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate, based on qualifications
⸻
Position Summary
The Lead Preschool Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children ages 2–6 years in accordance with Title 22, Division 12 regulations and Light of Knowledge Child Care Center’s mission to foster a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment. The Lead Teacher ensures compliance with all licensing requirements, supervises classroom staff, and promotes kindergarten readiness through play-based and STEM-integrated activities.
⸻
Minimum Qualifications – Per California Title 22 Regulations
Age: At least 18 years old.
Education:
Completion of 12 postsecondary semester units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, including courses in:
1. Child Growth & Development
2. Child, Family, and Community
3. Program/Curriculum
At least 3 units in infant/toddler care if working with children under 2 years (optional for 2–6 group but preferred).
Experience:
Minimum 6 months of work experience in a licensed child care center or comparable setting.
Background Check:
Must clear DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Index background checks before employment.
Health Requirements:
Health screening clearance (LIC 503) and proof of immunizations per SB 792 (MMR, Tdap, Influenza – unless exempt).
Mandated Reporter Training: Completion of California’s AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Training.
⸻
Key Title 22 Regulatory Compliance Responsibilities
Maintain teacher-to-child ratios at all times:
1:12 for preschool age (2–6 years).
Ensure visual supervision of children at all times (no child left unattended).
Adhere to indoor and outdoor space requirements (35 sq. ft. indoor, 75 sq. ft. outdoor per child).
Complete and maintain daily sign-in/sign-out records with parent signatures.
Follow incident reporting requirements: Report unusual incidents to licensing within 24 hours (LIC 624).
Maintain current child records per licensing requirements (LIC 701, immunization records, emergency contacts).
Implement safe sleep practices for nap/rest time.
Ensure all equipment and materials meet safety standards.
Conduct and document fire and disaster drills as scheduled.
⸻
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Curriculum & Instruction:
Plan and implement weekly lesson plans integrating STEM and play-based learning aligned with LoK’s curriculum.
Foster kindergarten readiness skills: literacy, math, science, art, and social-emotional development.
Adapt activities to meet the needs of children with special needs and in partnership with agencies like WRC.
Classroom Management & Supervision:
Supervise teacher aides and support staff to ensure effective classroom coverage.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe learning environment.
Use positive guidance strategies to manage behavior, supporting LoK’s active supervision policy.
Child Safety & Welfare:
Monitor children for signs of illness, injury, or developmental concerns and report to the Director.
Follow Universal Precautions and OSHA bloodborne pathogen procedures.
Ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices, including handwashing and diapering/toileting procedures.
Family Engagement:
Communicate daily with parents regarding their child’s progress, routines, and any concerns.
Participate in parent conferences and center events.
Support culturally responsive teaching, respecting family diversity.
Administrative & Compliance:
Complete required documentation: attendance, lesson plans, assessments, incident reports.
Participate in staff meetings and professional development.
Maintain confidentiality of all child and family records.
⸻
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Ability to sit on the floor, bend, squat, and move quickly to ensure active supervision.
Work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
⸻
Performance Expectations at LoK
Model professionalism and adherence to LoK policies at all times.
Promote a positive work environment for staff and families.
Support LoK’s vision to create a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for every child.
Be proactive in safety by identifying hazards and addressing them immediately.