Overview The Oakland Cooperative Playschool (OCP) is seeking a caring, creative, organized, and enthusiastic Teacher to lead our preschool program and help create a positive, nurturing environment where young children can learn and grow through play, exploration, creativity, and social interaction. OCP is a parent cooperative serving children from approximately 14 months through 5 years of age . Our philosophy emphasizes the development of imagination, self-esteem, independence, and mental, physical, and social development through dramatic play, creative art, music, dance, literature, and hands-on learning . The Teacher works closely with parent volunteers, class coordinators, and the OCP Board of Directors to provide a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. This position combines classroom teaching and curriculum development with classroom leadership, parent communication, program coordination, and day-to-day school organization. The ideal candidate enjoys working with young children, is comfortable leading a cooperative classroom environment, communicates well with parents, and understands the importance of flexibility and play-based learning. ResponsibilitiesClassroom Teaching & Child Development Plan, supervise, and implement the OCP school program in accordance with the school's philosophy, policies, and procedures. Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum, with Board approval. Design activities that recognize and support each child's individual interests, talents, age, abilities, personality, and pace of learning. Create engaging lesson plans incorporating play, art, music, movement, literature, dramatic play, science, sensory activities, and other hands-on learning experiences. Coordinate daily classroom activities, learning centers, crafts, projects, and transitions. Foster children's independence, creativity, confidence, communication, cooperation, and social-emotional development. Provide a warm, inclusive, and respectful environment in which children's individuality is valued. Observe children's participation, development, and progress and communicate relevant observations and concerns appropriately with parents and the Board when needed. Use positive, age-appropriate guidance and redirection to help children develop self-regulation and appropriate social behaviors. Never use physical punishment or threats of physical punishment. Maintain active supervision of children and prioritize their safety and well-being at all times. Parent Cooperative Leadership Work collaboratively with OCP's parent volunteers, recognizing that parents are an important part of the classroom and cooperative school community. Provide direction, guidance, and supervision to parents working in the classroom. Help parent volunteers understand classroom expectations, activities, safety procedures, and appropriate ways to interact with children. Assign or coordinate classroom volunteer responsibilities according to the class schedule. Encourage parents to interact with and support all children rather than focusing exclusively on their own child. Provide guidance when parents are uncertain about classroom situations, behavior, activities, or safety. Maintain a professional, respectful, and welcoming relationship with OCP families. Classroom Management & Behavioral Support Establish clear, age-appropriate classroom expectations and boundaries. Use positive behavior guidance, redirection, encouragement, and modeling to support children's development. Help children identify and express their feelings appropriately. Address behavioral concerns calmly and consistently. Work with parents to better understand ongoing behavioral concerns and identify constructive solutions. When appropriate, observe and document recurring behavioral concerns and participate in parent/teacher meetings to establish goals and follow-up plans. Seek appropriate outside guidance or resources when necessary and available. Maintain a classroom environment where children feel safe, respected, included, and supported. Safety & Supervision Maintain responsibility for the safety and well-being of children while they are in the program. Ensure children are supervised at all times. Follow OCP safety policies and procedures for classroom, playground, gym, equipment, and field-trip activities. Identify and report safety or equipment concerns. Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for arrival, dismissal, authorized pickups, and field trips. Maintain required emergency, allergy, release, and other student information. Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification and a valid food handler's card as required by OCP policy. Student Registration & Records Oversee the registration process and maintain accurate student information. Maintain information regarding allergies, social media permissions, walking field-trip permissions, and student release information. Maintain updated class rosters. Assist with gathering and organizing information for incoming students and families. Communicate with prospective families regarding registration questions and program information. School & Program Coordination Maintain classroom supplies and inventory and submit purchase requests to the Board as needed. Prepare classroom materials, projects, activities, and learning centers. Help maintain the school calendar and communicate information regarding activities, field trips, events, and important dates. Create or assist with flyers and other school communications. Create and maintain appropriate class communication channels through BAND. Attend Board meetings if requested as a non-voting consultant and participate in parent meetings, school events, and appropriate in-service training. Coordinate with the Board, class coordinators, and other school volunteers to support the successful operation of the program. Arrange for an appropriate substitute and notify the President when an absence is necessary. Assist with school events, graduation, yearbook, and other program activities as appropriate. Assist with the school's community outreach and social media presence, including monthly Facebook updates and other communications that help prospective families learn about OCP. Qualifications & Skills Experience working with preschool-aged children or in an early childhood education setting. Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. Experience creating or implementing play-based learning activities. Strong classroom management and positive behavior-guidance skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with parents, volunteers, Board members, and community partners. Ability to create an organized, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment. Creative, patient, dependable, flexible, and enthusiastic approach to working with young children. Ability to recognize and respect differences in children's personalities, abilities, learning styles, and developmental pace. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple classroom and administrative responsibilities. Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively within a cooperative environment. Comfortable using basic technology and communication tools such as email, BAND, social media, and digital calendars. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain/maintain certification as required. Current food handler's card, or willingness to obtain one as required. Preferred Qualifications Early childhood education, preschool, child development, education, or a related background. Experience working in a cooperative preschool, parent-participation program, private preschool, or similar environment. Experience working with children with different developmental, behavioral, or learning needs. Experience communicating with parents regarding children's development and classroom experiences. Experience planning special events, field trips, performances, or other preschool activities. What We Are Looking For We are looking for someone who understands that preschool education is about more than academics. The OCP Teacher helps children learn how to play, explore, create, communicate, cooperate, solve problems, build confidence, and become increasingly independent . The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively with families and understands that, at OCP, parents and teachers work side-by-side to create a positive environment for children . This is an opportunity to become an important part of a close-knit cooperative community and make a lasting difference in the early educational experiences of local children and families. Equal Opportunity Oakland Cooperative Playschool is committed to providing an inclusive environment for children and families. OCP's governing documents state that the school admits students without discrimination based on race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin and does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies and programs.

Pay:

$19.00 - $22.00 per hour Expected hours: 16.0 - 29.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off Parental leave

Work Location:

In person