Irvine, CA | Ages 18 Months-3 Years $30-$38/hour, depending on experience and qualifications W-2 Employment | Full-Time About Us We are building a small, thoughtfully designed early childhood program in Irvine for children ages 18 months-3 years. Our philosophy is grounded in deep respect for the child and draws from Montessori, Reggio-inspired practice, child development research, and thoughtful observation . We believe education should protect each child's natural curiosity, creativity, confidence, and desire to learn—not shape every child into the same mold. We also believe education lives not only in lessons, but in the everyday moments children experience: meals, conversations, play, care, relationships, and the environment around them. Our program is intentionally small, with a carefully prepared environment featuring high-quality furniture, natural materials, and thoughtfully selected learning materials. This Family Child Care program is part of a growing early childhood education organization that also includes center-based programs , creating opportunities for long-term professional and leadership growth. Who We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher AMI or AMS Montessori credential 5+ years of early childhood classroom experience , including significant toddler experience Previous Lead Teacher or classroom leadership experience Required California ECE/Child Development coursework and units applicable to the position A genuine love for young children and a strong passion for early childhood education Excellent spoken and written English with clear, warm, and professional communication skills Strong classroom leadership, organization, and activity-planning skills Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with families Confidence welcoming prospective families, participating in school tours, and clearly communicating our educational philosophy and program A collaborative mindset and genuine interest in continuing to learn, research, discuss, and grow professionally Ability to meet all applicable California child care licensing and background clearance requirements Preferred Qualifications Experience with Reggio Emilia / Reggio-inspired education Experience with emergent curriculum, observation and documentation, or project-based learning Experience planning family events or community activities Experience communicating with prospective families and supporting enrollment The Role As a Lead Toddler Educator, you will play an important role in shaping the daily experience of a small group of young children.

Responsibilities include:

Building warm, secure, and trusting relationships with children Leading the daily classroom rhythm and learning experiences Preparing and continuously refining the learning environment Providing Montessori presentations and developing Reggio-inspired experiences and projects Planning and leading stories, music, art, sensory experiences, practical life, outdoor exploration, and group experiences Observing and documenting children's learning and development Supporting meals, toileting, rest, transitions, and other daily routines with respect and care Maintaining a clean, organized, beautiful, and thoughtfully prepared environment Building strong relationships and communicating closely with families Participating in school tours, family events, and enrollment activities Collaborating directly with the program owner on curriculum, environment, educational research, and continuous program improvement Mealtimes & Community We believe everyday routines are meaningful parts of a child's education. Educators are invited to share lunch with the children in a warm, family-style setting, creating natural opportunities to model conversation, independence, social skills, table manners, and a positive relationship with food. High-quality lunch is provided for both children and educators , with an emphasis on wholesome ingredients and organic ingredients whenever practical. Professional Growth We believe excellent educators should continue to be learners themselves. We provide paid professional development opportunities and are committed to investing in meaningful professional growth for the right educator. Opportunities may include Montessori and Reggio-related training, early childhood conferences, child development workshops, and leadership development. As our organization grows, there may be opportunities for advancement in curriculum development, teacher mentoring, program leadership, and educational leadership across both our Family Child Care and center-based programs. Compensation & Benefits $30-$38/hour , depending on experience and qualifications W-2 employment 9 paid school holidays 1 dedicated paid professional development day California paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law Complimentary high-quality lunch Paid professional development opportunities 90-day introductory period Long-term professional and leadership growth opportunities Above all, we are looking for an educator who truly enjoys being with young children, finds meaning in early childhood education, remains curious about how children learn and develop, and wants to help build an exceptional program with us.

Pay:

$30.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have previous Lead Teacher or classroom leadership experience? Have you completed the California ECE/Child Development coursework and units required for this position? o you have professional experience with Reggio Emilia or Reggio-inspired education? What do you believe children ages 18 months-3 years need most from an exceptional educator?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Early Childhood Education /

Child Care:

5 years (Required)

Toddler :

2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

AMI or AMS Montessori Credential (Required)

Work Location:

In person