Educator, Program Lead

Educator Position at Pacific Oaks Children's School

Educators at the Pacific Oaks Children's School (POCS) play a critical role in delivering high-quality early childhood learning experiences grounded in anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, peaceful conflict resolution, and developmentally appropriate practice. This position supports the core mission of POCS by creating safe and inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments, partnering with families, and fostering children's social-emotional development, inquiry, and play-based exploration.

Educators contribute to the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of practices that advance child-centered learning and uphold the school's foundational values.

The role exists at four progressive levels (I, II, II+, and III), reflecting increasing breadth of responsibility, professional judgment, and leadership influence. These levels align with a tiered framework of decision-making and instructional autonomy:

• Educator I. A foundational practitioner role focused on implementing established classroom practices with direct guidance and support. Decisions are made with close supervision, following defined routines, safety standards, and curriculum frameworks.
• Educator II. An experienced educator role overseeing more complex instructional, caregiving, and family engagement responsibilities with moderate autonomy. Decisions are made independently within established parameters and rely on strong pedagogical judgment and collaboration with colleagues.
• Educator II+ (Senior Educator). An advanced practitioner who bridges classroom expertise and emerging leadership. This role demonstrates readiness for program leadership by independently planning curriculum, coordinating yard-level operations, and providing consistent mentoring to junior staff. Decisions involve high-level professional judgment regarding instructional strategy and daily yard flow, operating with increased autonomy while preparing for the full scope of program management.
• Educator III (Program Leader). A senior leadership role serving as the lead educator in their respective yard or program area. Program Leaders provide instructional and operational oversight, mentor and supervise other educators, guide curriculum development and family partnerships, and contribute to school wide initiatives. Decisions at this level involve advanced professional judgment, staff development, and significant influence over program quality and outcomes.

Working in partnership with fellow educators, school leadership, and families, Educators support daily classroom operations and help advance a cohesive, relationship-based program. Success in this role requires strong communication, cultural humility, reflective practice, and a commitment to fostering equitable, developmentally grounded learning experiences for all children.

This position requires the employee to work at the designated campus location and may require occasional night or weekend hours.

Core Functions (applicable to Educator I, II, II+, and III)

• Support and implement the school's philosophy, values, and pedagogical approach.
• Engage with children in a developmentally appropriate, respectful, and responsive manner.
• Maintain safe, clean, organized, and purposeful indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Observe and document children's behavior, development, and interests.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support consistent routines and positive classroom culture.
• Communicate professionally with families through daily interactions and assigned documentation.
• Supervise and support adults in the learning environment, including parents, volunteers, and student observers, ensuring alignment with school practices and student safety.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.
• Participate in school events outside of standard hours, including family engagement activities, conferences, and community events, as assigned.
• Comply with all licensing, health, safety, and school policies.
• Report to their designated supervisor and work within the established organizational structure.

Educator II (includes all the above plus the…