Position: Lead Educator, Preschool

Location: School of Imagination & Happy Talkers, Dublin, CA (onsite)

Schedule: Full-time, hourly. Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Pay: Range $27.00 to $31.00 per hour, based on education and experience

Why School of Imagination

If you love leading a classroom and want your work to matter, this is a place built for you. Our classrooms are inclusive by design: children of all abilities learn side by side, with speech, occupational, and behavior specialists working alongside our educators. You will have a team around you, coaching to help you grow, and a culture that protects a workload you can sustain.

About the Role

The Lead Educator leads one of our inclusive preschool classrooms. You set the tone for the room, guide a small classroom team, and are the main point of contact for families. You partner closely with the room's Classroom Coordinator, who leads curriculum planning and materials, so you can focus on daily teaching, children's progress, family communication, and your team.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily classroom routines, transitions, and small and large group activities

• Bring curriculum to life with the Classroom Coordinator, adapting activities to each child's needs and goals

• Support children with diverse needs, including autism and developmental delays, using strategies from their individual plans

• Provide hands-on personal care, including diapering, toileting, feeding, and naptime support

• Build warm, consistent relationships with families through daily updates, conferences, and clear written communication

• Observe and document each child's development and progress

• Guide and coach your classroom team, model best practices, and run regular team check-ins

• Work closely with our SLPs, OTs, BCBAs, and RBTs so classroom and therapy goals move together

• Keep the classroom safe, organized, and compliant with Title 22 licensing and ratio requirements

What You Bring

• At least 12 completed Early Childhood Education units, including core courses (required; we confirm by transcript)

• At least 2 years as a lead or head teacher in a licensed early childhood program (required)

• Demonstrated experience supporting children with special needs or neurodiverse learners (required)

• Comfort with diapering, toileting, and personal care for young children (required)

• Strong, warm family communication skills, both verbal and written

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in ECE or Child Development, or a Child Development Teacher or Site Supervisor Permit, preferred

• Must pass a TB test and criminal background clearance, meet immunization requirements, and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification

What We Offer

• 100% employer-paid medical benefit options for team members

• Dental and vision coverage

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Comprehensive paid time off plus sick days

• A structured training path and ongoing coaching from our Early Childhood Education lead

• A supportive team culture built on self-care and reflective supervision

How to Apply

Email your resume to hr@schoolofimagination.org with "Lead Educator" in the subject line, or apply through our listing.

School of Imagination is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.