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
