Fun Factory Preschool - Lead Teacher (Temporary, Part-Time)

Under the direction of the Youth Services Recreation Coordinator II, the Recreation Specialist - Fun Factory Preschool Lead Teacher will be responsible for the daily operation and instruction of a preschool classroom serving children ages 3–4. This position oversees curriculum planning and implementation, provides leadership and direction to an Assistant Teacher, maintains a safe and nurturing learning environment, and serves as the primary point of contact for preschool families.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

An enthusiastic, creative, organized, and dependable early childhood educator who enjoys working with young children and is passionate about fostering their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a positive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom experience that encourages independence, builds confidence, and prepares children for future academic success.

• Program Season: August - May (follows the preschool calendar, including scheduled school breaks).
• Regular Schedule: Monday - Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Classroom Instruction: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Additional hours may be assigned for curriculum planning, classroom preparation, staff meetings, trainings, parent conferences, and special events.
• Position includes a scheduled summer break when preschool is not in session.

• Non-exempt, hourly, part-time.
• Part-time positions are hourly and not eligible for benefits and are limited to working 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). No full-time regular appointment will be made from this class.  

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, plan, and implement a creative, developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum incorporating early literacy, math, science, art, music, movement, sensory exploration, and social-emotional learning.
• Lead daily classroom activities, routines, and transitions while maintaining a positive, structured, and engaging learning environment.
• Provide daily direction, guidance, and support to an Assistant Teacher, including delegating responsibilities and coordinating classroom activities.
• Foster children's independence, confidence, social skills, and transitional kindergarten (TK) readiness through hands-on learning and play-based experiences.
• Monitor and assess student development, maintain appropriate documentation, and communicate student progress with families.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for preschool parents and caregivers, including regular classroom updates, parent communications, conferences, and addressing questions or concerns.
• Implement positive classroom management strategies and provide appropriate guidance and support for individual student needs and behaviors.
• Plan and coordinate classroom celebrations, special activities, seasonal projects, and other preschool events.
• Organize, purchase, and maintain classroom supplies and materials while working within established program budgets.
• Prepare the classroom before each session and oversee daily clean-up, organization, and maintenance of a safe, welcoming learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with City policies, program guidelines, and established health and safety procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, coworkers, City staff, and the public using principles of outstanding customer service.
• Communicate regularly with the Recreation Coordinator II regarding classroom operations, staffing needs, student concerns, and program updates.
• Coordinate substitute coverage as needed in collaboration with the Recreation Coordinator II.
• Maintain attendance records, lesson plans, student assessments, and other required program documentation.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Early childhood development, preschool curriculum planning, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Positive classroom management techniques and age-appropriate behavior guidance.
• Methods of organizing and leading educational and recreational activities for preschool-aged children.
• Effective parent communication, customer service, and interpersonal relationship building.
• Basic principles of staff leadership, teamwork, and classroom coordination.
• Administrative practices including organization, recordkeeping, communication, and basic budget management.
• Modern office methods and common computer applications, including email and document preparation.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, patience, flexibility, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Independently plan, organize, and lead a preschool classroom.
• Provide effective direction, support, and leadership to an Assistant Teacher.
• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with children, families, and coworkers.
• Establish positive relationships with preschool students and create a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment.
• Effectively manage classroom behavior using positive guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to individual student needs and developmental differences.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining a consistent classroom routine.
• Work collaboratively with City staff and demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Lift, set up, and put away classroom materials and equipment.

Enthusiastic, energetic, and mature candidates 18 years of age or older. Must demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and classroom leadership skills. Candidates should be dependable, self-motivated, patient, and comfortable working independently while overseeing an Assistant Teacher.

Education

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required; some college preferred.
• Early Childhood Education or Child Development coursework (12+ units) strongly preferred.
• Additional coursework or training in early childhood education, child development, preschool curriculum, or related fields is desirable.

Experience

• Prior experience teaching preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) in a preschool, early childhood education, recreation, or similar setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing preschool curriculum and managing classroom routines is highly desirable.
• Previous experience serving as a Lead Teacher, Head Teacher, or in a classroom leadership role is preferred.
• Experience communicating with parents, supporting individual student needs, and supervising or mentoring classroom support staff is desirable.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

Current CPR/First Aid certification

Physical Requirements

Frequent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, and crouching. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds. Perform repetitive hand, arm, and body movements on a continuous basis. Frequent public and coworker contact, occasionally working alone.