Preschool Teacher for Toddler Program

Beth El Nursery School in North Berkeley, CA, is adding a new toddler room to its preschool program in January 2025. We are creating a new team of passionate Toddler Teachers dedicated to fostering warm, caring relationships and building a strong sense of community for young children and their families. 

As a Toddler Teacher in our 18-month-old program, you will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing environment where toddlers play, explore, learn, and grow. Our philosophy is rooted in nature, responsive caregiving, and play-based learning; all guided by Jewish values of kindness (chesed), compassion (rachamim), and community (kehillah). You will work collaboratively with a team of educators to provide excellent care and creative play experiences that support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that reflects the importance of play-based learning, nature, and Jewish values. 
• Develop and implement a curriculum and activities that meet each child's developmental needs while encouraging exploration, creativity, and independence.
• Foster positive relationships with children and their families, providing regular communication and support.
• Observe and reflect on children’s development, interests, and ideas, documenting and sharing their learning with families.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and participate in classroom and school-wide celebrations and parent engagement activities.
• Adhere to licensing requirements and school policies to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in your care.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Warm, respectful, committed to responsive caregiving with a genuine love for working with toddlers and their families.
• Experienced in early childhood education and care with children (ages 18 months to 3 years).
• Respectful, mindful, and connected caregiving, especially during diaper changes, toileting, meals, and nap time.
• Understanding child development principles and best practices in an early childhood setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to fostering an enriching Jewish environment and integrating Jewish values into everyday moments.

Education and Certification:

• At least 12 Early Childhood Education or Child Development units: Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child, Family and Community, Curriculum Planning plus 3 Infant/Toddler Development credits. Transcripts required.
• Completed or willing to complete 16 health and safety training hours according to Health and Safety Code Section 1596.866.
• All state licensing requirements and the demonstrated ability to perform all job responsibilities as described in the Teacher job description
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Mandated reporter training certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Current health screening with a negative T.B. test, LiveScan, and Child Abuse Index

This full-time position offers competitive compensation and benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment. Beth El Nursery Schools is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring practices and educational programs.

According to Beth El Nursery School's pay matrix, the pay ranges from $22 to $32 an hour, depending on education, experience, and position.

This full-time position offers up to 40 hours a week with competitive compensation and benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Beth El Nursery Schools is committed to belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring practices and educational programs.

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Employee Discount
• Earned Time Off
• 9 Federal & 8 Jewish Holidays Paid
• Paid Professional Development

Non-discrimination Statement:
Beth El Nursery School does not discriminate based on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or gender identity and values diversity in its faculty and staff.

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the Toddler Teacher position.

Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and enthusiastic Toddler Teacher to Beth El Nursery School's growing community!