POSITION SUMMARY
Orange County Music & Dance (OCMD) is seeking enthusiastic, nurturing Early Childhood Dance Instructors to join our faculty for the 2026–2027 school year.
We are looking for educators who love working with young children and are passionate about creating joyful first experiences in dance. Through music, movement, imagination, and play, our instructors help children build confidence, coordination, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
Classes serve children ages 2–5 and include both caregiver participation classes and independent learning classes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach engaging, age-appropriate dance classes for children ages 2–5.
- Lead both caregiver-and-child classes and independent early childhood dance classes.
- Develop and implement creative lesson plans that encourage movement, musicality, coordination, confidence, and self-expression.
- Incorporate props, games, storytelling, and imaginative movement to create an engaging classroom experience.
- Teach foundational dance skills while supporting each child's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Foster a positive, structured, and welcoming classroom environment where every child feels encouraged to participate.
- Adapt instruction to meet the developmental needs, learning styles, and abilities of individual students.
- Build positive relationships with students and families through professional communication and encouragement.
- Prepare students for class demonstrations, showcases, performances, and other special events as assigned.
- Maintain a safe classroom environment by promoting proper technique, body awareness, and age-appropriate movement.
- Take attendance and maintain accurate class records.
- Attend faculty meetings, performances, professional development opportunities, and other OCMD events as assigned.
- Support student retention by creating a fun, engaging classroom experience that encourages families to continue their dance education.
- Represent Orange County Music & Dance with professionalism and uphold the organization's mission and values.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience teaching dance to young children, preferably ages 2–5.
- Ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate classes through music, movement, games, props, and creative play.
- Strong classroom management skills with the ability to lead young children in a structured, positive learning environment.
- Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate instructional techniques.
- Experience teaching creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, or other early childhood dance styles preferred.
- Experience leading caregiver-and-child classes is preferred.
- Professional dance training and/or teaching experience required.
- Experience preparing students for performances or showcases preferred.
- Degree or equivalent professional training in dance preferred.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
- Ability to successfully complete a Live Scan background check.
- Availability to teach weekday mornings and Saturdays.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
The ideal candidate is energetic, patient, creative, and enjoys working with young children. They understand that a child's first dance class should be fun, encouraging, and memorable while providing a strong foundation for future learning.
Successful instructors are dependable, collaborative, and committed to helping every student develop confidence, coordination, creativity, and a love of dance.
EXPECTATIONS
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
- Create a nurturing, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
- Serve as a positive role model for young dancers.
- Support the mission of fostering artistic growth, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.
- Participate in performances, showcases, faculty meetings, and special events.
- Maintain open communication with administration, students, and families.
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Orange County Music & Dance (OCMD) is a nonprofit performing arts school located in Irvine, California. Our mission is to nurture, inspire, and empower students of all ages through high-quality music, dance, and musical theatre education. OCMD offers a wide range of programs, including Early Childhood classes, private music instruction, Dance Discovery, ensembles, world music experiences, adult programs, and pre-conservatory and conservatory training pathways. We are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where students can develop artistic excellence, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
WHY JOIN OC MUSIC & DANCE?
At Orange County Music & Dance, you'll become part of a collaborative team of educators who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of artists.
As an Early Childhood Dance Instructor, you'll play an important role in introducing young children and their families to the joy of dance while helping students develop confidence, creativity, coordination, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
If you're passionate about teaching young children and making a lasting impact through the arts, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Education:
Experience:
- Dance Teaching: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
