Infant Classroom Lead & Assistant Teachers Play-Based, RIE-Inspired Preschool

The San Diego Cooperative Preschool (SDCP) is seeking Lead and Assistant Teachers to join our infant classroom team. We are a play-based program with a classroom approach inspired by the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) philosophy, valuing respectful, relationship-centered care for our youngest learners.

We are looking for educators who are nurturing, collaborative, and genuinely committed to the field of Early Childhood Education. If you bring a calm, kind, and supportive presence to your work and value building strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues, you may be a great fit for our team.

About the Role

Our infant classroom is a thoughtful, responsive environment where teachers:

Practice respectful caregiving and honor each child as a capable individual
Move at a pace that allows for unhurried, relationship-based interactions
Support children’s natural development through play and exploration
Communicate openly and collaboratively with families and team members

Responsibilities

Lead Teachers:

Guide the overall classroom environment and curriculum in alignment with our play-based, RIE-inspired philosophy
Mentor and collaborate with assistant teachers
Build strong partnerships with families through daily communication and conferences

Assistant Teachers:

Support daily caregiving routines and classroom flow
Collaborate closely with the lead teacher and team
Foster a warm, responsive environment for infants

What We Value

Kindness and presence in interactions with children and adults
Collaboration and mutual respect among staff
Authentic relationships with families
A shared commitment to professional growth and reflective practice

If you’re interested in joining a team that prioritizes respectful care, meaningful relationships, and a supportive work environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Our school operates year-round and includes several scheduled closures throughout the year to support staff rest and well-being. All school closures are paid, totaling more than five weeks annually, in addition to accrued paid time off. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

We deeply value our staff and are committed to supporting long-term growth within the field. Qualified applicants must have a minimum of two years of teaching experience, which may include paid internships.

Qualifications

Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in early childhood education (paid internships accepted)
Strong understanding of play-based learning philosophies
Warm, nurturing, and collaborative approach to teaching
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Commitment to ongoing professional growth

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive pay (based on experience and qualifications)
Comprehensive benefits package
Over 5 weeks of paid school closures annually
Additional accrued paid time off (PTO)
Supportive, team-oriented work environment

Schedule

Year-round program with scheduled closures throughout the year

How to Apply: If you are passionate about early childhood education and are looking to grow within a supportive and collaborative community, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

San Diego Cooperative Preschool

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Infant Classroom Lead & Assistant Teachers