Lead Teacher - State Preschool; Toyon

About Kidango

Kidango (kidango.org) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life. We provide thousands of children, especially those from low‑income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships. Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow, and realize their potential.

The State Preschool Lead Teacher assists the Center Director with providing general supervision, development, and education of children while guiding the classroom staff and partnering with families at our Toyon Center, which offers a dual‑language immersion program with an emphasis on environmental education.

• Serve as a dual‑language model using Spanish, Vietnamese, or Mandarin as assigned.
• Utilize classroom materials and routines to promote a developmentally appropriate environment, interests, and special needs of the children.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment in accordance with Title 5 and Title 22 regulations.
• Implement rules and practices to support positive child redirection.
• Facilitate continuous and interactive communication between families and program providers that foster parent partnership.
• Conduct parent/teacher meetings as required by Title 5.
• Administer the ASQ and the ASQ/SE with children assigned to cohorts.
• Develop and update Individualized Education Plans for each child assigned to a cohort, working with families.
• Maintain open and friendly relationships with staff, parents, and program volunteers.
• Commit to inclusive practice to accommodate children with learning differences and special needs.
• Integrate curriculum plans and articulate the practice.
• Provide personalized special services for children with special needs (e.g., feeding, assistance with toileting, diapering, specialized equipment).
• Mirror classroom activities in the outdoor classroom/mud kitchen.
• Attend required classroom, center, and organization meetings.
• Assist other centers when requested.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Associate Teacher Permit and AA degree (Master’s Teacher Permit and BA degree desired).
• Three ECE units of infant‑toddler development.
• One year of prior experience working with young children is preferred.
• Bi‑literate in Spanish (required) and/or Mandarin, Vietnamese (preferred).
• Supervision of teaching assistants and volunteers highly desirable.
• Required CPR/First Aid Training Certification.
• Required to be a mandated abuse reporter.
• Sixteen hours of health and safety training, including one hour of nutrition training.

$36.38—$36.38 USD per hour.

• Must pass a health screening and TB test.
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• The ability to lift up to 30 lbs may be needed during some job duties.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world.
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues.
• A comprehensive, industry‑leading benefits package.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world.

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Kidango makes all employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics, and we are an equal opportunity employer. Discrimination and harassment are inconsistent with our philosophy and will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all aspects of application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, and other terms.

Kidango is an equal‑opportunity employer. We actively welcome diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and strive to provide equal opportunity for all employees.