Early Learning Center Teacher

• Department:
  Early Learning Center
• Status:
  
  Non-Exempt (Hourly), Full-time position
• Reports To:
  
  Early Learning Center C0-Directors
• Pay Scale:$21.00-$28.00 depending on experience
• Location:
  
  Carpinteria, CA

To apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume and a list of all previous school or educational institution employers, including city and state, in accordance with CA SB 848 through this link.

The Cate Early Learning Center is guided by a developmentally appropriate curriculum and practices in an indoor and outdoor setting. Developmentally appropriate practice, often shortened to DAP, is an approach to teaching grounded in research that promotes young children’s optimal learning and development. DAP involves teachers meeting young children where they are by stage of development, both as individuals and as part of a group, and helping each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals.

We believe children learn through play. While engaged in play, children are not only expressing their creative nature, they are also making discoveries in their environment and attaching meaning to their experiences. They are associating words with objects, building on their vocabulary, and stimulating cognitive growth.

Our program enhances children’s play and learning experiences by providing routine and structure throughout the day, allowing children to organize and feel in control of their day. We provide a balance of teacher-supported activities with plenty of child-directed choices.

Our Infant and Toddler program is heavily influenced by the RIE philosophy. RIE encourages respectful interactions through caregiving routines while following the cues of each child.

At Cate School, we pride ourselves on fostering a community where our employees truly thrive. As a member of our team, you’ll enjoy full access to our premium campus facilities, including our library, gym, pool, and athletic track. We also provide complimentary meals in our campus dining hall during the academic year. Tucked away in the foothills, our campus offers breathtaking mountain views and serene walking trails—perfect for a peaceful break or an outdoor adventure with students.

As an ELC Teacher, you will be responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for a small group of children. This role requires a genuine passion for outdoor education, a deep understanding of early childhood development, and the ability to inspire a sense of curiosity, creativity, and a positive attitude towards learning. We want to create a group of lifelong learners through holistic development, cognitive ability, and self-care.

• Supervise children closely to ensure their safety and well-being in any setting and weather conditions.
• Administer first aid and respond to emergencies, documenting all incidents accurately.
• Teach children about risk management while encouraging them to take age-appropriate risks.
• Model and enforce personal hygiene practices, including proper hand-washing.
• Maintain a precise headcount of students at all times. Ensuring each child is signed in and out each day.

• Strive to create a language-rich program, encouraging positive and respectful interactions.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Help each child to become aware of his/her role as an integral member of the group.
• Help each child to become comfortable with him/herself.
• Encourage active involvement in problem solving in the environment.
• Encourage children to be responsible for their actions to support the development of their roles as effective decision makers.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with families, sharing observations about their child’s development through conversations, emails, and a parent portal.
• Represent the program’s philosophy and core values at community and school events.
• Collaborate with co-teachers and staff to support the program’s goal.

• Complete all assigned paperwork (daily information sheets/daily attendance, shopping lists, child injury reports, lesson plans, etc.) in a timely manner.