Assistant Director / Preschool Teacher

The Way Preschool is hiring an Assistant Director / Teacher who loves being with children and is ready to grow into leadership. It's a hybrid role — about 80% in the classroom, 20% supporting daily operations. Perfect for a strong lead teacher ready for the next step who wants to help build something special.

Why teach at The Way

We're not a screens-and-worksheets daycare. The Way is a Reggio-Emilia-inspired, faith-based preschool nestled in the San Marcos countryside, built on the belief that every child deserves unhurried, attentive, holistic care. We're proudly screen-free, with one of the largest outdoor classrooms in North County San Diego — so much of the learning happens hands-on, outside, in the fresh air. If you believe young children learn best by exploring, creating, and being deeply seen, this is the rare program built entirely around that conviction.

A team and culture we're proud of

More than anything, we're building a team and a culture we're proud of — a place where teachers feel supported, valued, and genuinely excited to come to work. We believe the way we care for each other shows up in how we care for our children and families. We want someone who wants to help shape that culture: to lift up the people around them, set a warm and professional tone, and help make The Way the kind of school great teachers tell their friends about.

Grow with us

In just three years, The Way has become one of the most highly rated preschools in our community, and we've grown fast because families want what we offer. As we expand and open new centers, we want the person in this role to grow with us — building the experience to step into a Director seat and help lead future locations. That's why we're looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and real teachability: eager to learn, take ownership, and help build something. This is the ground floor of a career.

What you'll do

• Lead a classroom: plan and run warm, hands-on, developmentally appropriate days
• Support the Director with scheduling, family communication, tours, and licensing compliance
• Serve as on-site lead when the Director is out
• Mentor assistant teachers and help build a positive, supportive team culture
• Help keep our environment safe, nurturing, and welcoming

What we're looking for

• California Administration units required
• AA in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required; Bachelor's strongly preferred
• Preschool experience, with lead or supervisory experience preferred
• An entrepreneurial spirit, strong teachability, and a team-first attitude
• Genuine alignment with our faith-based, screen-free, Reggio-inspired approach
• CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain), cleared background check, and required immunizations

What we offer

• $22–$26/hour DOE
• Opportunity for overtime
• A full month of paid time off in your first year, plus all federal holidays paid
• Tuition reimbursement and discounted tuition for your own children
• A supportive, close-knit team and a culture we're proud of
• A real path to grow into a Director role as we expand into new centers

How to apply

Click Apply to send us your resume — we're interviewing now and moving quickly, so don't wait. Want to know us better first? Visit our website to see who we are and what we believe. We'd love to meet you.

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to start within the next two to three weeks?

Are you comfortable being counted in classroom ratio (about 80% of your time) while also handling administrative duties (about 20%)?

How many years of preschool teaching experience do you have?

Do you have lead teacher or supervisory experience? If so, briefly describe it.

The Way is a faith-based, Reggio-Emilia-inspired, screen-free preschool with a strong outdoor-learning focus, and we're growing toward opening new centers. What draws you to this kind of environment, and how do you see yourself growing with us?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Work Location: In person