Join a Mission-Driven Team Making a Difference in Children’s Lives
The Child Development Resource Center (CDRC) is a nonprofit therapeutic preschool serving children ages 2–5 throughout San Luis Obispo County. Through trauma-informed early childhood education and mental health support, we are committed to helping children and families heal, grow, and thrive.
CDRC provides educational and therapeutic programs focused on protecting children through our commitment to support and strengthen families in need. We are currently seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic, creative, and flexible Preschool Teacher / Associate Teacher to join our collaborative interdisciplinary team.
This is an opportunity to work alongside educators, therapists, administrators, interns, and families in a highly supportive environment dedicated to the social-emotional well-being and development of young children.
Position Summary
The Preschool Teacher / Associate Teacher provides care, education, and therapeutic support for children and families within a preschool classroom environment. This role supports the Lead Teacher and Administration in carrying out program goals and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
The ideal candidate is a strong team player who values collaboration, initiative, organization, trauma-informed care, and relationship-based teaching practices.
Essential Responsibilities
- Create and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and classroom activities
- Support children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development
- Maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing classroom environment
- Supervise children closely during indoor and outdoor activities, transitions, meals, and rest periods
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, administration, interns, and families to support individualized goals for children
- Participate in case conferences, classroom planning, and multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and compliance with licensing and safety standards
- Observe and document children’s development and progress
- Support children in developing self-help and social-emotional skills
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with parents and caregivers
- Provide positive behavior support and trauma-informed guidance strategies
- Assist with individualized supports for children with special needs or disabilities
- Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
- Assume Lead Teacher responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher, when applicable
Required Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units with a grade of C or better, including: Child Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, ECE Programs & Curriculum
- Associate Teacher Permit or ability to apply for one within 60 days of hire
- Minimum 6 months of experience working with children ages 0–5 in a licensed childcare, preschool, or group care setting
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively with staff, children, families, volunteers, and community partners
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care
- Commitment to the mission, goals, and philosophy of CDRC
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with children with special needs, developmental differences, or behavioral challenges
- Experience in therapeutic preschool, inclusive classroom, or mental health-informed settings
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
- CPR and First Aid Certification preferred (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Employment Requirements
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of:
- Live Scan fingerprint clearance and criminal background check prior to start date
- Health screening physical
- TB clearance/testing
- Required immunization records in compliance with SB 792
- Mandated Reporter requirements and licensing documentation
Physical Requirements
This position requires active participation with children throughout the day, including:
- Lifting up to 40 pounds
- Bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, and sitting on the floor
- Moving quickly to ensure child safety
- Participating in indoor and outdoor active play
- Assisting children with toileting, diapering, dressing, and daily care routines
Benefits
Eligible employees may receive:
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Professional development and training opportunities
Schedule
- Monday through Friday
- Full-time and part-time opportunities available
- Consistent attendance required
- Substitute opportunities may also be available
Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have at least six months of experience working with children ages 0–5 in a licensed childcare, preschool, or group-care setting?
- Have you completed at least 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education or Child Development with grades of C or better, including coursework in Child Growth and Development; Child, Family and Community; and Programs/Curriculum? If yes, please list the relevant courses completed and the number of semester units earned for each.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
