La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a warm, collaborative, and child-centered associate educator for a long-term substitute assignment in our Early Childhood Center (ECC) beginning in August 2026 through approximately early-December 2026.
This position supports the Junior Kindergarten teaching team in creating a joyful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment grounded in play, exploration, and early childhood best practices. The associate educator partners closely with lead and assistant teachers to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development through whole-group instruction, small-group learning, and individualized support.
Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?
At La Jolla Country Day School, the ECC is a vibrant campus-within-a-campus where young children are known, valued, and inspired to grow. Our program emphasizes experiential learning, curiosity, creativity, and relationship-building in a warm and nurturing environment.
The ECC curriculum is integrated, developmentally appropriate, and rooted in the understanding that play is the primary means through which young children learn. Through exploration, projects, direct instruction, and thematic studies, children develop foundational literacy, language, reasoning, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for future learning.
As a mission-driven community committed to belonging and whole-child education, we value educators who bring patience, joy, flexibility, and a genuine love for working with young children. If you are energized by supporting early learners as they discover the world around them, we would love to meet you.
What You’ll Do
Teaching & Student Support
Support the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom experiences
Partner with lead and assistant teachers to facilitate whole-group, small-group, and individualized learning activities
Teach intervention and enrichment lessons in early literacy, math, language development, and fine motor skills
Support children’s social-emotional growth, independence, and problem-solving skills
Provide classroom support that reflects the needs and interests of young learners
Observe and support children across a range of developmental profiles and learning styles
Help create joyful, engaging opportunities for exploration, play, creativity, and discovery
Learning Environment & Classroom Community
Partner with lead and assistant teachers to create a warm, safe, inclusive, and child-centered classroom environment
Support children in learning routines, expectations, and positive social behaviors
Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and instructional resources
Supervise students during indoor and outdoor play, lunch, transitions, arrival, dismissal, and other assigned duties
Contribute to classroom environments that encourage curiosity, independence, and collaboration
Family Partnership & Collaboration
Maintain ongoing communication with lead teachers regarding student progress, classroom needs, and concerns
Participate in communication with parents and guardians through conferences, classroom updates, and daily interactions
Collaborate with grade-level teams on family communications, classroom events, and volunteer coordination
Partner with colleagues to support field trips, special events, and school-wide activities
Professional Responsibilities
Attend faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school events as appropriate
Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills in all interactions
Engage in reflective practice and ongoing learning related to early childhood education and child development
Support the mission, values, and community culture of La Jolla Country Day School
Who You Are
Child-Centered Educator: You understand that young children learn best through play, exploration, relationships, and hands-on experiences
Collaborative Team Member: You work closely and effectively with lead and assistant teachers, specialists, and families
Warm & Responsive Adult: You model patience, kindness, flexibility, and emotional intelligence
Reflective Practitioner: You are eager to learn, grow, and adapt to meet the needs of students and the school community
Inclusive Community Builder: You value diversity, belonging, and supporting the whole child
Qualifications
Teachers in the ECC must have completed 12 units of coursework in early childhood studies, which include the following classes:
Child/Human Growth & Development
Child, Family, and Community
Curriculum Development (in early childhood - music and movement, language arts, math, art and science, etc.)
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Prior teaching experience or experience working with young children required
Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
Professional Skills and Experience
Strong communication, organization, and classroom management skills
Ability to support students with a variety of learning profiles and developmental needs
Experience collaborating with colleagues and communicating effectively with families
Comfort using classroom technology and digital communication tools
Ability to balance multiple responsibilities with flexibility and professionalism
Work Environment & Schedule
Full-time, in-person, campus-based role
Work performed in classroom, office, playground, and outdoor school settings
Role requires regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture, and movement throughout campus
Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs
Noise levels may vary depending on classroom activities and school events
Physical presence on campus is required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this role
Compensation
This is a long-term substitute position from August 2026 through approximately early-December 2026.
This is an hourly paid position with pay in the range of $26.00-$37.00. The offer to a successful candidate will depend on several factors, including experience, education, and applicable skills.
To be considered, please submit:
Your current resume or CV
A cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
A statement of educational philosophy
We value authenticity in the application process and ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools to generate their cover letter or educational philosophy statement.
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.
To work with Early Childhood Center students, a second background check through Live Scan is required. In addition, childcare workers and volunteers must meet the following immunization requirements:
Influenza (flu vaccination between August 1 and December 1 each year unless exempt)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Measles
TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
