Senior Child Development Specialist; Master Teacher

Senior Child Development Specialist (Master Teacher)

West Valley-Mission Community College District is seeking a talented individual to fill the position of Senior Child Development Specialist (Master Teacher) at our Child Development Center Lab School located at West Valley College campus. Comprised of two colleges, West Valley College and Mission College, we are located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our staff and faculty are among the most qualified in the state and our students appreciate our two colleges for our friendly staff and supportive atmosphere.

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Senior Child Development Specialist/Master Teacher will create, plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in a play-based learning environment for ages 2 – 5 years; establish and maintain working partnerships with parents, families, and students to perform duties requiring in-depth knowledge of early childhood education and development; provide mentoring and oversight of student workers and practicum students;

complete administrative duties necessary to implement a quality preschool program. Applicants who possess the knowledge, skills and life experiences to address the cultural and educational needs of a diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

Assignment - 100% of full time, 37.5 hours per week, 12 months per year, with anticipated start date of September 2026. Schedule may change to include some evening or weekend hours, as needed. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Classified Employees Association (WVMCEA), Office, Technical & Business Services Employee Unit.

Work Location:

West Valley College campus, Saratoga, CA

Salary and Benefits
- Anticipated Hiring Range:$6,502.58 – $7,070.08 monthly (WVMCEA Salary Schedule, Range 53, Steps A-C). Benefits include:
Employer-contributed medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse, and/or dependents. Employer-paid long term disability for employee. Employer-provided life insurance. 14 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday annually; paid non-workdays between Christmas and New Year. 12 days vacation leave accrued annually; rate increases step-wise up to maximum 22 days vacation leave accrued annually. 12 days sick leave accrued annually. Personal necessity leave and personal business leave.

Educational growth incentive program from $45 to $225 monthly. $1000 longevity award annually after 10 years of service and $1,500 longevity award annually after 15 years of service. CalPERS retirement. Position is union affiliated.

Minimum Qualifications

- Education and Experience:

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of responsible journey experience similar to Child Development Specialist with the West Valley-Mission Community College District.

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in early childhood education or a related field. License and Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California Child Development Master Teacher Permit. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross, Heart Association, or other authorized agency.

AND Understanding of, and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.

Desired Qualifications
- The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualification(s):
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Site Supervisor Permit Five years experiences in a program supporting a play-based philosophy Understanding and commitment to the Outdoor Classroom model Strong skills in child observation and developmental assessment Working knowledge of Title 22 and Title 5 Computer literacy Flexibility, dependability, and punctuality

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
- Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Develop developmentally appropriate curriculum and implement play and varied learning experiences for children in a multi-age pre-school classroom environment; mentor and model to, review and assess the work of practicum students. Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Interact with children assisting them with developing problem solving and other skills, creating opportunities for safe risks and the family or parent or caregiver child separation process;

contribute to the child's social and emotional development; create a climate of respect for each child. Mentor, oversee, and participate in evaluating the activities of staff, teaching assistants and practicum students, recommending improvements and modifications. Provide and coordinate staff…