Preschool Teacher

About LAFP

Los Angeles 1st Preschool Education Center is a California State Preschool Program (CSPP) serving approximately 72 children and their families in Los Angeles. We operate with stable funding through the California Department of Education and participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We are a small team that takes early education seriously and holds ourselves to high standards. If you want to work in a program where what you do matters and your voice is heard, this is the place.

Teacher

The Preschool Teacher holds a primary classroom assignment and is responsible for planning and delivering developmentally appropriate instruction for children ages 2–5. You will be the lead educator in your room, working with an assistant or aide, and will be directly accountable for the learning, safety, and well-being of the children in your care.

Teacher Responsibilities

• Plan and implement daily lesson plans aligned with the California Preschool Learning Foundations and the program’s curriculum framework
• Serve as the lead educator in an assigned classroom, managing the daily schedule, learning environment, and classroom routines
• Conduct ongoing child observations and assessments, including DRDP documentation
• Develop and maintain individualized learning plans based on each child’s developmental needs
• Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that supports children of all abilities and backgrounds
• Communicate regularly with families about their child’s progress, classroom activities, and any concerns
• Mentor and guide assistant staff working in your classroom

Floater

The Floater rotates between classrooms throughout the day to cover teacher breaks, absences, and transitions.

Floater Responsibilities

• Rotate between classrooms as assigned by the Site Supervisor to maintain required adult-to-child ratios at all times
• Independently supervise the classroom when the lead teacher is on break, absent, or otherwise out of the room
• Cover transition periods including arrival, departure, outdoor play, and meal times across all classrooms
• Adapt quickly to different classroom routines, age groups (2–5), and teaching styles
• Support lead teachers with lesson plan implementation and classroom activities when not covering independently
• Assist with CACFP meal service duties including meal distribution, meal counts, and cleanup
• Step into a lead classroom role on short notice when staffing requires it

Qualifications (Both Positions)

Required

• Valid California Associate Teacher Permit or higher (Teacher Permit preferred)—both roles require the ability to independently supervise a classroom
• Minimum 12 ECE/CD units including core courses (child development, curriculum, child/family/community)
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification
• Clear TB test and DOJ/FBI Live Scan background clearance
• Completion of Mandated Reporter training
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and engage in active supervision (bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor)
• Strong communication skills and a professional, team-oriented attitude

Preferred

• AA/AS or BA/BS in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• 24+ ECE/CD units (Teacher Permit level)
• Experience in a Title 5 or CSPP-funded program
• Experience with DRDP assessments and individualized learning plans
• Experience working with toddler-age children (ages 2–3)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Familiarity with CACFP meal service procedures
• Experience working with diverse and underserved communities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Early Childhood Education: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Associate Permit or 24+ ECE/CD units (Required)

Work Location: In person