Team Teacher - Preschool
Organization Name: Palm Valley School
About Our Organization: Since 1952, Palm Valley School (PVS) has stood alone as the Coachella Valley’s only non-religious, college-prep, independent school. With our commitment to developing leaders, Palm Valley School provides a toddler-12th grade nurturing environment in which highly motivated students flourish and find success in the classroom, at colleges and universities throughout the nation, and beyond. Palm Valley School is an exceptional learning community that educates, nurtures, and challenges students to achieve excellence and contribute to a global society.
Individual Attention to Students – Fostering personal connections and tailored learning experiences.
Inspiring Passionate Innovative Teaching – Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Inquiry & Exploration – Promoting hands-on discovery and intellectual growth.
Academic, Artistic & Athletic Growth – Supporting a well-rounded education that nurtures the whole child. Trust, Respect & Partnership – Building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues Diversity & Responsibility to Self & Others – Cultivating an inclusive environment that values ethical leadership and global awareness
Website: www.pvs.org
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Prepared Date: 09-29-2025
Effective Date: 09-30-2025
Hiring Manager Job Title: Preschool Director
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Employment Status: Full-time Regular
Primary Location: Rancho Mirage, CA
The Preschool Team Teacher plays a supportive role in the classroom. With instructions from the lead teacher the Team Teacher will assist with the implementation of activities based on the classroom weekly lesson plan. They are responsible for the care, supervision, and management of a preschool class in accordance with the goals and curriculum plan of Palm Valley Preschool. The team teachers will ensure the care of every student entrusted to your care by following PVS Policy and Title 22 regulations.
12 units of Early Childhood Education or Early Child Development permit
Experience working with children preferred.
Early Childhood Development: Foundational knowledge of the developmental stages and milestones for preschool children (ages 3 5), including age-appropriate expectations for social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
Curriculum Implementation: Understanding of the school's approved curriculum and the ability to effectively execute lesson plans and learning activities created by the Lead Teacher.
Health and Safety Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of sanitation, hygiene practices, and emergency procedures (e.g., first aid, CPR, fire drills) required to maintain a healthy and safe classroom environment in compliance with licensing standards.
Behavior Guidance: Familiarity with positive guidance techniques and non-punitive strategies for managing typical preschool behaviors (e.g., sharing, turn-taking, conflict resolution).
Licensing and Policy: Working knowledge of all relevant state/local child care licensing standards and center-specific employee/policy handbooks.
Collaboration and Flexibility: Exceptional ability to work cooperatively and take direction from the Lead Teacher, adapting quickly to changing plans, transitions, and individual child needs.
Supervision and Vigilance: Skill in constant and active supervision of children, recognizing potential hazards, and ensuring child safety during all activities, including routines and free play.
Nurturing Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, warmly, and enthusiastically with children and their families, fostering a secure and welcoming atmosphere.
Classroom Management Support: Proficiency in maintaining smooth, hygienic routines (diapering, hand washing, meals, naps) and assisting with transitions to maintain classroom flow and organization.
Active Engagement: Skill in actively participating in and supporting hands-on activities (art, sensory play, dramatic play) to promote individual expression and learning.
Physical Stamina: Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including kneeling, bending, lifting and carrying children (up to 40 lbs.), and standing for extended periods during activities and playground time.
Setting: Licensed child care center or preschool classroom.
Team Structure: Works under the direct supervision and mentorship of a Lead Teacher, forming a critical part of a teaching team responsible for all classroom functions.
Daily Activities: The role involves continuous hands-on caregiving, active participation in initiating and leading small-group activities, and diligent assistance with cleaning, maintenance, and preparation of the learning environment.
Pace and Environment: The work environment is fast-paced, stimulating, and often loud. It requires continuous interaction with high-energy children, demanding consistent energy and emotional presence throughout the day.
Documentation: Responsibilities include assisting the Lead Teacher with observations and record-keeping related to child development, attendance, and routines.
Assist lead teachers in all their job duties.
Plan and conduct an effective child development program to meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child.
Ensure that childcare routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with good child development principles. This includes routines related to diapering, hand washing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities.
Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, proper maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
Operate the classroom in compliance with all child care licensing standards, and PVS Employee and Policy Handbooks.
Create an open, friendly, and cooperative atmosphere in which children and families feel comfortable and secure.
Provide experiences that promote individual expression through conversation, play, and creativity.
Help the lead teacher maintain records designed to evaluate each individual child.
Promote and nurture parent-child bonding and relationships.
Greet students and their parents warmly and with enthusiasm each morning.
Assist with classroom activities daily (sing-a-longs, art projects, sensory exploration, outdoor stimulation).
Provide daily care individually to each student.
Assist lead teachers with the sanitization and daily maintenance of the classroom.
Tools and Technology
Blackbaud
Google Suite
Office Suite
Procare
Paychex Payroll System
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.
Since 1952, Palm Valley School has stood alone as the Coachella Valley’s only non-religious, college-prep, independent school. With our commitment to excellence, Palm Valley Private School provides a Preschool through 12th grade nurturing environment in which highly motivated students flourish and find success in the classroom, at colleges and universities throughout the nation, and beyond. It is Palm Valley School's policy to practice equal opportunity without regard to an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or other protected status in accordance with state and federal laws. This pertains to every policy, practice, rule, and regulation of the school.
