Preschool Closing Teacher (Carpinteria, CA)

Closing Lead Teacher

KinderKirk Preschool

We believe childhood should run wild and free — our teachers do too. Could you?
Join KinderKirk Preschool, an Outdoor Classroom Demonstration Site where our children spend 99.9% of their day outside: shoes optional, play-messy, taking tea parties as seriously as science, and exploring our local community.

We’re hiring a Closing Lead Teacher who can match children’s creativity and energy, hold firm boundaries, and end each day safely, joyfully, and with children who don’t want to leave.

This role is best suited to someone who enjoys clear routines with room to flex — an organized, steady presence who appreciates that afternoons call for both structure and responsiveness.

Why teachers love working here

• Teachers are truly valued: daily paid planning time, PTO, paid & floating holidays, and real work–life balance
• Supportive, no-drama team (collaboration over gossip)
• Family-friendly culture: staff may bring their own children or partners to KinderKirk events
• Freedom to create: playful afternoons and simple local field trips
• Growth opportunity: this closing role may grow into a Core Teacher position with expanded curriculum leadership and higher pay

Must have (non-negotiable)

• 12+ ECE or Child Development (CD) units
• Available Monday–Friday through close (5:30–5:45 PM)
• Reliable transportation
• Comfortable supervising mixed-age groups, diapering, and following health plans
• Comfortable with basic health monitoring (e.g., recording glucose numbers — training provided)
• Able to close the center independently after full training
• Consistency and follow-through — our children rely on adults who finish the day well

What we’re really looking for

• Organized and grounded (not rigid)
• Able to follow established routines while adapting to real-time moments
• Calm leadership during transitions and pick-up windows
• Enjoys being the steady adult who brings the day to a close

Nice to have

• Spanish/English bilingual (additional pay)
• Creativity for play-based curriculum and local adventures
• Self-starter energy paired with teamwork

Pay & schedule

• $21–$23/hour (higher with bilingual skills and expanded responsibilities)
• Typical shifts fall between 9:30–10:30 AM and 5:30–5:45 PM, with occasional adjustments for early-release or staff meeting days.
• This is a closing-focused role by design — balanced hours, strong support, and a clear path to growth

How to apply

Please upload your resume and include:

• Your total ECE/CD units (must be 12+)
• Your earliest start date (and whether notice is needed)

· Applications missing the required 12 units or this information will not be reviewed.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Question(s):

• If your resume does not clearly show it, please list the total number of completed Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) units you have.
• If hired, what is the earliest date you could start this position?
• Do you need to give notice to a current employer? If yes, how much notice is required?
• This position requires Monday–Friday availability until 5:30–5:45 PM. Are you able to work this schedule? (Answer options: Yes / No)

Ability to Commute:

• Carpinteria, CA 93013 (Required)

Work Location: In person