Location and Job Title:

Lead Preschool Teacher
Jewish Community Center, Sonoma County
3421 Bonita Vista Lane
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Principal Responsibilities:

LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER

We are seeking a Lead Teacher who reports to the Director of Early Childhood Programs and is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment rooted in the Reggio-Emilia Approach, and Jewish values. This role leads the daily flow, mentors teaching staff, and builds strong partnerships with families to support each child's individual growth.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Lead a classroom of preschool-aged children, creating a safe, loving, and stimulating learning environment
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy and incorporating Jewish values, as well as Social Emotional Learning principles.

Child Supervision, Safety & Care

• Supervise children at all times; maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and implement safety procedures per California State Licensing regulations.
• Maintain a well-organized, clean, and hazard-free classroom environment indoors and outdoors; routinely evaluate equipment and materials.
• Complete accurate reports as directed (attendance, incidents, illness, medication, ID checks, etc.).
• Build warm, trusting relationships with each child; engage with enthusiasm and patience during play, meals, rest, and transitions.
• Support children through conflict resolution when needed, and help children find calm; attend to any injuries.

Child Development & Documentation

• Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress across cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical domains.
• Share observations with families--highlighting interests, strengths, and growth plans--and facilitate additional assessments or interventions when needed.

Mentorship & Staff Support

• Mentor and coach Teachers and Aides: model best practices, provide ongoing feedback, and set a professional tone for the team.
• Lead peer-to-peer professional development and support constructive resolution of interpersonal issues among staff.

Family & Community Communication

• Maintain ongoing communication with families about their child's day, milestones, and growth; facilitate two formal family-teacher conferences per year.
• Support weekly classroom newsletter and participate in parent orientations and school-wide events.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in and lead staff meetings when needed, professional development, and school-wide events.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries and consistent, constructive communication with families and colleagues.
• All staff are mandated reporters and must comply with Mandated Reporter training requirements.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and anti-bias education.

Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and move freely throughout the classroom for a full shift
• Ability to lift and carry a child (up to 40 lbs), assist with clothing and toilet needs, and respond quickly to children's needs.
• Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 12 + completed ECE units or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with the appropriate age-level endorsement issued by the CDA National Credentialing Program of the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with young children in an ECE setting.
• Strong grounding in Jewish values and the Reggio-Emilia Approach; JCCA coaching course completion required (or willingness to complete upon hire).
• Knowledge of current ECE research and practices; proficient in planning, record keeping, classroom design, and management.
• Competent across curriculum areas including art, music, science, literacy, math, and physical development.
• Warm, patient, and collaborative approach to working with children, families, and fellow educators.
• Commitment to the JCC mission and the Jewish community.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification required (or willingness to complete upon hire).
• Must pass a background check.

Salary:

$55,000 - $65,000

Agency Information:

JCC SoCo has served the Sonoma County community for over three decades as a place where people of all backgrounds come together to connect, learn, and belong. Our preschool is part of a national network of 200 JCCs -- a renowned leader in early childhood education serving 30,000 preschoolers annually -- giving our teachers access to exceptional professional development and support. We are guided by Jewish values as a foundation for learning: universal values like kindness, perseverance, and inclusivity, brought to life each day through stories, songs, and classroom traditions. Families and staff of all backgrounds and faiths are warmly welcomed.