Wonderland Preschool - Palo Alto, CA Full-Time |

Monday-Friday Pay:

$25-$38/hour, depending on role, qualifications, education, and experience

Expected Start Date:

October 2026

Mandarin Chinese:

Fluent or highly proficient speakers strongly preferred Wonderland Preschool is a newly licensed Mandarin immersion preschool in Palo Alto serving children ages 2-5. We are currently hiring both a Lead Preschool Teacher and an Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our growing team. Fluent or highly proficient Mandarin Chinese is strongly preferred for both positions. Mandarin is naturally incorporated throughout children's daily routines, conversations, stories, songs, play, and hands-on learning experiences. Our program is Reggio-inspired, play-based, hands-on, and child-centered . We believe children learn best through meaningful relationships, exploration, creativity, play, nature, and experiences that grow from their interests and curiosity. We are looking for warm, responsible, patient, creative, and dependable educators who genuinely enjoy working with young children and would like to grow with our preschool community. Responsibilities Depending on the position, responsibilities may include: Providing a warm, safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children ages 2-5. Supporting and implementing developmentally appropriate, hands-on and play-based learning experiences. Observing children's interests, questions, ideas, and development and using those observations to help create meaningful classroom projects and activities. Naturally incorporating Mandarin Chinese into children's daily routines, conversations, stories, songs, play, and hands-on experiences. Supporting children's early language and literacy, math, science and nature exploration, art, sensory play, dramatic play, music and movement, and other areas of development. Supporting children's independence, confidence, problem-solving skills, social-emotional development, and positive relationships. Using respectful Positive Guidance strategies when supporting children's behavior. Maintaining a clean, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom. Working collaboratively with Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, the Director, and school owner. Communicating warmly and professionally with children and families. Participating in classroom observations, documentation, curriculum planning, staff meetings, and school activities. Maintaining appropriate supervision and following all school health, safety, and California Community Care Licensing requirements. Lead Preschool Teacher Qualifications Minimum 12 semester units (or equivalent quarter units) in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) from an accredited college or university. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field is highly valued. Previous experience working with children ages 2-5 in a licensed preschool, child care center, or early childhood education setting. Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. Ability to plan and lead creative, engaging, hands-on and play-based learning experiences. Ability to observe children's interests and development and use those observations to develop curriculum, projects, and classroom experiences. Strong classroom management skills using respectful Positive Guidance. Ability to work collaboratively and communicate professionally with coworkers and families. Assistant Preschool Teacher Qualifications Previous experience working with young children in a preschool, child care, early learning, or similar setting is preferred. ECE/CD coursework is preferred. Must enjoy working directly with young children and be patient, nurturing, dependable, and willing to learn. Ability to support the Lead Teacher with classroom activities, routines, supervision, Positive Guidance, classroom organization, and children's daily needs. Must be willing to meet applicable California Community Care Licensing requirements for the position. Interested in Growing from Assistant Teacher to Lead Teacher? We also welcome applications from Assistant Teachers who are interested in growing into a Lead Teacher position. If you have experience working with young children and are passionate about early childhood education but have not yet completed all of the coursework or experience required to qualify as a Lead Teacher, Wonderland Preschool is willing to provide training, mentorship, and professional development support to help you work toward becoming a qualified Lead Preschool Teacher. Financial assistance may also be available for approved ECE/CD coursework and professional development, subject to eligibility and school reimbursement policies. We value educators who want to continue learning, grow professionally, and build a long-term career in early childhood education. Highly Preferred Fluent or highly proficient in Mandarin Chinese . Previous experience working with children ages 2-5. Experience in a Mandarin immersion or bilingual early childhood program. Completion of or participation in California Teaching Pyramid training. Familiarity with Teaching Pyramid practices, Positive Guidance, and social-emotional development. Experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired, emergent, project-based, or play-based curriculum. Experience with hands-on, child-led, and interest-based learning. Licensing, Health & Safety Requirements All employees must meet applicable California Community Care Licensing requirements for their position, which may include: Required criminal background clearance/fingerprinting and facility association. Required health screening and TB clearance. Required employee immunization records/documentation. Completion of required Mandated Reporter Training. Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification as required for the position/program. Required educational transcripts and documentation of ECE/CD coursework when applicable. Any additional health, safety, orientation, or training documentation required by California Community Care Licensing and Wonderland Preschool. What We Are Looking For We especially value teachers who: Genuinely enjoy working with young children. Are warm and nurturing while providing clear and consistent boundaries. Respect children as capable individuals. Understand that play is an important part of learning. Enjoy creating meaningful activities based on children's interests and curiosity. Are comfortable with art, sensory experiences, outdoor exploration, science, music, movement, dramatic play, and other hands-on experiences. Value children's social-emotional development as well as academic learning. Are dependable, responsible, flexible, and collaborative. Want to continue learning and growing professionally. Are excited to help build a warm, positive, and supportive preschool community. Schedule Full-Time | Monday-Friday Specific work hours will be discussed during the interview. Compensation $25-$38 per hour , depending on position, education, qualifications, and experience. Compensation within the range will reflect whether the candidate is joining as an Assistant Teacher or Lead Teacher , as well as their ECE/CD education, degree, preschool experience, Lead Teacher experience, Mandarin proficiency, and other relevant qualifications. We are building our founding teaching team and would love to meet educators who share our values and are interested in learning, growing, and building a warm and supportive preschool community together.

Expected Start Date:

October 2026

Pay:

$25.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person