Lead Teacher I and II

Job Title: Lead Teacher I & II

Location: San Ysidro, CA
Department: Early Childhood Education / Head Start
Reports To: Site Supervisor / Education Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

This is more than just a teaching position—it’s an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across our community. For over 60 years, our client's organization has been dedicated to empowering communities, supporting families, and advancing equity through a wide range of programs spanning early childhood education, senior services, and workforce development.

As a Lead Teacher, you’ll play a vital role in preparing young learners for a lifetime of success, helping ensure they thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. If you’re passionate about education and ready to be part of a mission-driven team creating lasting change, we’d love to hear from you!

Position Summary

As a Lead Teacher I or II, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational program for preschool-aged children in alignment with Head Start performance standards. You will foster a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes each child’s growth in all key developmental domains.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Credentials

Lead Teacher I:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required
• Valid Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
• 3 Infant/Toddler Units preferred (must be completed within one year of hire if not already obtained)

Lead Teacher II:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required
• Valid CCTC Teacher Permit
• 3 Infant/Toddler Units preferred (must be completed within one year of hire if not already obtained)

Additional Requirements

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required, with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Valid California Driver’s License
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification
• Strong listening, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Team-oriented, dependable, and responsive
• Committed to deadlines, punctuality, and follow-through
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards
• Sensitive to cultural diversity and committed to inclusive service
• Ability to quickly assess and adapt to various classroom situations

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 48 hours of paid sick leave
• 12 paid holidays, plus bereavement and jury duty leave
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer match (fully vested)
• Life and accidental death insurance, with optional supplemental coverage (e.g., pet, disability, cancer)
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and dependents
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• $500 employee referral bonus after 90 days
• Discounts on AT&T wireless, entertainment, and more
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and credit union membership

Make a Difference. Build a Brighter Future.

Join a legacy of service and empowerment that has positively impacted generations of Californians. If you're committed to early learning, equity, and community-driven change, this position offers a meaningful path to grow your career while making a real difference.