Pre-K Lead Teacher
CC’s Learning Center | Brea, California
Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Pay: $18.00–$24.00 per hour, depending on education, experience, and qualifications
About CC’s Learning Center
CC’s Learning Center is a locally owned early childhood education center in Brea serving children from infancy through preschool. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported, challenged, and genuinely excited to learn.
Our philosophy is simple: Explore. Experiment. Discover.
We create classrooms where children can learn through hands-on experiences, purposeful play, meaningful interactions, and developmentally appropriate instruction. We recognize that every child develops differently, and our teachers are expected to meet children where they are while helping them continue to grow.
We are currently looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and dependable Pre-K Lead Teacher to join our team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early childhood professional who enjoys taking ownership of a classroom, creating engaging curriculum, building relationships with families, and helping children develop the skills they need for a successful transition to kindergarten.
About the Position
The Pre-K Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall educational experience, supervision, safety, and development of the children in the classroom.
The ideal candidate is energetic, creative, organized, patient, and passionate about early childhood education. We are looking for someone who understands that teaching preschool is much more than completing worksheets—it is about creating intentional learning experiences that encourage children to think, explore, communicate, problem-solve, build independence, and develop confidence.
The Lead Teacher will be responsible for maintaining a positive, organized, engaging classroom environment while working collaboratively with administration and other teachers.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning experiences for Pre-K children.
- Plan activities that support children's individual developmental levels, interests, strengths, and areas for growth.
- Provide hands-on learning opportunities that encourage children to explore, experiment, problem-solve, and discover.
- Support development across the major areas of early learning, including:
- Social-emotional development
- Language and literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- History/social science
- Creative expression
- Physical development
- Health, safety, and self-help skills
- Create a classroom environment that is organized, inviting, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate.
- Use children's interests and observations to help guide curriculum planning.
- Provide both teacher-guided and child-initiated learning opportunities.
- Support children in developing independence, self-help skills, classroom responsibility, and kindergarten-readiness skills.
- Assist children with toileting and potty training, including diapering when necessary.
- Maintain appropriate supervision and follow all required health and safety procedures.
- Follow CC’s Learning Center policies and California Title 22 licensing requirements.
- Maintain required classroom documentation, assessments, observations, and child portfolios.
- Communicate with families professionally and consistently regarding children's daily experiences, development, accomplishments, and areas of concern.
- Use Brightwheel for daily classroom communication and documentation.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, trainings, and school events.
- Work collaboratively with assistant teachers and other classroom staff to maintain consistency and a positive classroom culture.
- Model professionalism, patience, positive guidance, and respectful communication at all times.
- Help maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and welcoming classroom.
- Communicate concerns regarding children's development, behavior, health, or safety to administration appropriately and promptly.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
- Continue professional growth and stay current with developmentally appropriate early childhood practices.
Our Curriculum Philosophy
At CC’s Learning Center, we use the California Preschool Curriculum Frameworks and Preschool Learning Foundations as important resources in planning developmentally appropriate learning experiences. The California Department of Education describes the frameworks as supporting intentional learning through play, teacher-guided experiences, meaningful environments, and individualized curriculum based on children's knowledge, skills, needs, and interests.
We want our teachers to understand the why behind what they are doing—not simply follow a worksheet or complete an activity because it is on a calendar.
Our goal is to create classrooms where children are:
Happy. Engaged. Curious. Confident. Independent. Ready to Learn.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A genuine passion for working with preschool-aged children.
- Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
- The ability to plan and implement meaningful, engaging curriculum.
- Strong classroom management and positive guidance skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Professional communication with parents, coworkers, and administration.
- Reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic.
- Ability to work as part of a team while taking ownership of the classroom.
- Creativity and enthusiasm.
- Patience and the ability to remain calm and professional in a busy classroom.
- A willingness to learn, accept feedback, and continue professional development.
- A commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for every child.
California's Early Childhood Educator Competencies emphasize child development, relationships and guidance, family engagement, observation and assessment, inclusion, curriculum and learning environments, health and safety, leadership, and professionalism—all qualities we value in our Lead Teachers.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the qualifications applicable to their position under California Community Care Licensing, Title 22.
Preferred candidates will have:
- An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field; or be actively completing an appropriate degree/program.
- Coursework in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, including coursework covering:
- Child Growth and Development
- Child, Family and Community
- Curriculum/Program
- Previous preschool classroom experience.
- Experience working with children ages 3–5.
- Experience developing and implementing lesson plans.
- Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it as required.
- Current required health/TB clearance and immunization documentation.
- Completion of required or applicable California child-care health and safety trainings.
- Ability to satisfy CC’s Learning Center's background clearance and employment requirements.
California Title 22 provides specific pathways for teacher qualification based on education, experience, and/or applicable permits or credentials. CC’s Learning Center will verify qualifications and required documentation before employment.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Frequently bend, squat, kneel, sit on the floor, and move around the classroom.
- Safely lift and carry children and classroom materials when necessary.
- Assist children with toileting, diapering, handwashing, dressing, and other self-help needs.
- Maintain active supervision of children throughout the day.
- Respond quickly to children's physical and safety needs.
Why Work at CC’s Learning Center?
We believe our teachers are an important part of what makes our school special.
We offer:
- Competitive compensation based on education, experience, and qualifications
- Medical insurance through Kaiser
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) / retirement benefits
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Holiday pay
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition assistance/reimbursement opportunities
- Employee discounts
- Opportunities for professional growth
- A supportive team environment
- A school that values education, relationships, teamwork, and individual growth
This Position Is a Great Fit If You...
Love watching a child master something they couldn't do yesterday.
Believe preschool should be fun and educational.
Enjoy creating hands-on learning experiences instead of relying solely on worksheets.
Can communicate openly and professionally with families.
Want to be a true classroom leader—not simply someone who follows a daily schedule.
Believe every child deserves to be challenged at their own developmental level.
And most importantly, you genuinely enjoy working with young children.
How to Apply
If you are an enthusiastic early childhood educator who is looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to join the CC’s Learning Center team!
CC’s Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Work Location: In person — Brea, California
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
