Lead Teacher - Infant​/Toddler

Lead Teacher – Infant/Toddler at California State University, Long Beach

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 Infant and/or Toddler programs in the Child and Family Center, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

• Oversees the infant and/or toddler classrooms serving children ages 3 months to 3 years—maintain classroom ratios, ensure a healthy and safe environment for children, parents, and staff, and, in the absence of the Director and Center Coordinator, assume overall classroom management.
• Responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining the educational curriculum and support structures for both indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Mentors and oversees Instructional Teachers, Teacher Aids, Student Teachers, and Practicum Students on a daily basis.
• Coordinates with the Director to design the classroom environment in compliance with Licensing and NAEYC Accreditation standards.
• Communicates and collaborates with parents on a daily basis.

The ideal candidate possesses comprehensive knowledge of key early childhood assessment and curriculum tools, including the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC), Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Environmental Rating Scales (ERS), Ages and Stages, and the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). The candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to read, write, and speak effectively. Experience includes planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum for children aged 3 months to 3 years, and active involvement in professional organizations dedicated to supporting young children and families, reflecting a commitment to ongoing professional growth and advocacy.

The candidate can communicate with a culturally diverse campus community, follows all university policies and procedures—including safety, civility, information security, and non‑discrimination policies—and contributes to a positive university experience for every student, supporting the university’s vision of excellence.

• AA degree or higher with completed supervised field experience units, or equivalent experience within the last four years; roughly 6‑12 months of experience required for those without a degree.
• Equivalent to two years of experiential support services for an instructional program, including preparation, production, dispensing, or storage of materials, supplies, and equipment for children aged 3 months–3 years.
• Bachelor’s degree in child development/family studies or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Infant/Toddler college coursework units.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience in a childcare setting.
• Teaching experience in an NAEYC‑accredited program preferred.

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

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

Family & Consumer Science

Early Childhood Teacher

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.

The hiring range for this position is $3,827 – $5,000 per month, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $3,827 – $5,741 per month.

1.0 time‑base, 40 hours per week.