Creative Preschool Teacher!

Highland Preschool in Carlsbad Village is hiring an open-minded, creative preschool teacher who shows enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to grow! We're a not daycare—we're a home away from home for kiddos, where educators are not only respected professionals but also visionaries, constructing a loving environment full of opportunities to learn through play in a Reggio-inspired school. Join a team where your opinions and ideas are VALUED, your work is SUPPORTED, and your efforts are

REWARDED.

Read what our team says about working at

Highland:

"I could list a million reasons why I continue to work at Highland, but to be brief, Highland's team is made up of some of the most collaborative, compassionate, encouraging, loving, and supportive individuals. I am consistently presented with opportunities to learn from each other and have the space to grow into the educator I aspire to be. The energy there is unique, filled with connection, inspiration, empowerment, and love. I leave feeling filled up every single day. Ugh, I just love it so dang much." —Miss Rachel, Lead Educator "When I first began at Highland three years ago, I didn't think I would be making much of a difference - boy, was I wrong. The owner and director found gentle ways to challenge my abilities and help me grow. Our educator team respects, supports, and shows genuine kindness to one another. We have a shared commitment to helping to raise kind humans - and it reflects in our daily interactions. Most importantly we get to splash in the mud, explore, learn, garden, paint, and PLAY." —Miss Megan, TK Educator "Why do I keep coming back? Because I love you all so much. Highland is my second home. It's a fun environment, very loving, with the best teachers. I say that all the time when I talk about this place, that you have hired some of the best teachers." —Miss Kizzy, Long-Time Substitute turned Support Educator "I realized when I was talking with a parent the other day that this is it, this is my dream job." —Miss Mion, Director and Pedagogista Highland Preschool benefits include: paid holidays (16 in the 2025/2026 school year) PTO/vacation pay, with annual increases to accrual rate sick pay quality health insurance for you + your dependents retirement matching up to 3% of salary annual raises paid professional development (sometimes with travel) benefits vary based on full-time/part-time status Work-life benefits include: 1:8 ratio dedicated prep (plus time during rest) intimate campus with ample outdoor space support from admin with weekly classroom meetings and regular 1:1 connection weekly educator-to-educator staff meetings, where your voice is actually heard a solid cohort of teachers who love what they do, love being here, and are excited to grow as a team We're looking for a full-time educator in a Co-Lead role: As a Co-Lead you will work as a team to... Plan and execute activities based on your observations of the kiddos' interests Create classroom documentations that make learning visible and demonstrate the intentionality you're putting into your classroom's experience Communicate with parents daily Keep a clean, safe environment by following state guidelines and procedures We're also looking for a part- or full-time educator in a Support role: Work alongside primary educators to build classroom community and school culture Engage children in play and join them as co-explorers Communicate with parents and foster family relationships Assist with indoor/outdoor transitions, rest and relaxation time, and diaper changes Keep a clean, safe environment by following state guidelines and procedures Observe children's interests and explore opportunities to plan and execute activities accordingly Requirements Candidates must pass required state background checks and meet state and company education and experience requirements:

Co-Lead:

12 months of experience in a play-based toddler/preschool classroom preferred availability to work 35-40 hours/week (starting as early as 7:45am and ending as late as 4:45pm) minimum 12 ECE units: Child Development, Child Family Community, and 2 curriculum courses (applicants without this cannot be considered)

Support:

availability to work at least 20 hours/week (starting as early as 7:45am and ending as late as 4:45pm) minimum 9 ECE units, plus enrolled in final course: Child Development, Child Family Community, and 2 curriculum courses (applicants without this cannot be considered)

Both:

excellent written and verbal English communication skills high school diploma/GED We're looking for preschool teachers/child care providers who: have a high emotional IQ display excellent discernment are team players are self-starters possess a sense of playfulness, creativity, and curiosity love nature and hands-on experiences have exceptional self-awareness and an ability to self-reflect display a growth mindset are eager to participate in regular thought-provoking discussions connect with our school values If that sounds like you, and you're excited to be part of something bigger—something where you make real impact in the community and are recognized for your hard work—we'd love to meet you! Please submit your transcripts and resume with relevant work history. About Highland Preschool A Reggio-inspired, non-traditional school, Highland Preschool uses the power of play to provide young people with the resources, guidance, and space to discover themselves as learners—for life. We are a small, woman-owned business with an inclusive culture based on transparency, open communication, and underlying values of respect, environment, connection, curiosity, growth, and positive intent.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Provide 2-3 dates/time ranges you would be available for a 15-minute phone interview (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm). What are your unique hobbies/interests?

License/Certification:

minimum of 12 ECE units? (Required)

Work Location:

In person